THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

PRESENTED  BY 

PROF.  CHARLES  A.  KOFOID  AND 

MRS.  PRUDENCE  W.  KOFOID 


^lOLCGY 
MBRARV 


ANIMAL 
CASTI^ATION. 

BY 

A.  LIAUTARD,  M.D.,  H.F.R.C.V.S., 

H 

Professor  of  Anatomy,  Operative  Surgery  and  Sanitary  Medicine  to  the  American 

Veterinary  College,  New  York, 
Foreign  Corresponding  Member  of  the  Societe  Centrale  de  Medecine  Vet^rinairei 

Paris. 

Member  of  the  Societe  Veterinaire  d* Alsace-Lorraine, 

Member  of  the  Societe  Veterinaire  Pratique,  Paris, 

Member  of  the  U.  S.  Veterinary  Medical  Association, 

Etc.,  etc. 

With  Forty-four  Plates  embodied  in  the  Text. 


NEW  YORK 

WILLIAM  R.  JENKINS 

VETERINARY  PUBLISHER  AND  BOOKSELLER 

850  Sixth  Avenue 

london  :  balliere,  tindall  &  cox 

1884 


jy^iXN-i**  r 


PftESS  OF  W.  R.  Jenkins, 
a^pSiXTH  Ave.,  N.  Y. 


BIOLOGy 

Copyright,  1884. 
W.  K.  Jenkins. 


TO 

HENRY    BOULET, 
Member  of  the  Institute  of  Paris, 

This  little  practical  work  is  respectfully  dedicated  in 
testimony  of  the  continued  esteem  and  respectful  remem- 
brance of  one  who  was  fortunate  in  being  numbered  among 
his  former  students,  by 

The  Author. 


^068355 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2007  with  funding  from 

Microsoft  Corporation 


http://www.archive.org/details/animalcastrationOOIiaurich 


INTRODUCTION. 

In  presenting  this  concise  treatise  upon  castration  of  the 
domestic  animals,  it  is  not  intended  to  offer  new  modes  of 
operation,  but  merely  to  collect  together  the  various  methods 
in  use  and  leave  the  reader  to  appreciate  them  at  their  value. 
It  is  a  work  which,  it  is  believed,  has  not  yet  been  done  in 
English  veterinary  literature,  and  on  this  account  it  is  hoped 
will  prove  of  interest  and  use  to  those  engaged  in  that 
specialty  of  veterinary  surgery. 

In  gathering  the  material,  advantage  has  been  taken  of 
several  of  the  most  recent  works  of  French  and  German 
writers  on  the  subject,  and  plates  have  been  obtained  from, 
the  original  and  excellent  wood  cuts  of  Zundel,  and  Peuch, 
and  Toussaint. 

In  presenting  this  volume  to  the  indulgence  of  veterinari- 
ans, it  is  with  pleasure  that  the  author  acknowledges  and 
offers  his  sincere  thanks  to  Dr.  Holt  for  the  great  assistance 
he  has  kindly  given  in  revising  the  manuscript. 

The  Author. 


Animal  Castration, 


ANIMAL  CASTRATION. 


CHAPTEE  I. 

DEFINITION — ITS  VARIOUS  PURPOSES — AN  OLD  OPERATION 
— ITS  HISTORY — CASTRATION  OF  NECESSITY — CASTRA- 
TION OF  FASHION  AND  CONYENIENCE — ITS  EFFECTS — 
UPON  THE  GENERAL  ORGANISM — UPON  SOME  SPECIAL 
FUNCTION — UPON  THE  DEVELOPMENT:  OF  THE  ANIMAL 
— AGE  AT  WHICH  IT  OUGHT  TO  BE  PERFORMED — SEA- 
SON MOST  FAVORABLE — PREPARATION  OF  THE  PATIENT 
— MODES  OF  RESTRAINT — CASTING — STANDING  UP — 
ANATOMY  OF  THE  PARTS. 

Of  all  the  operations  pertaining  to  the  domain  of 
Veterinary  Surgery,  without  doubt  the  practitioner 
is  most  frequently  called  upon  to  perform — more  es- 
pecially in  breeding  districts — that  of  castration,  the 
destruction  or  removal  of  the  essential  organs  of  gen- 
eration in  our  domesticated  animals.     It  is,  however, 


4  ANIMAL   CASTRATION. 

not  nearly  so  often  resorted  to  for  purely  surgical 
reasons  as  for  purposes  closely  related  to  questions 
of  agricultural  and  industrial  economy,  by  reason  of 
its  effect  upon  the  individuals  of  the  various  species 
of  animals  subjected  to  it,  in  order  to  improve  their 
value  and  increase  their  usefulness  to  mankind.  And 
that  this  is  its  practical  effect  is  no  modern  discovery. 
As  far  back  in  antiquity  as  seven  centuries  preceding 
the  Christian  era,  it  was  known  and  practised  upon 
various  animals.  Of  this  we  may  find  ample  histori- 
cal proof  in  the  writings  of  Roman,  Greek,  and  Ori- 
ental authors,  Avliere  specific  mention  appears  of  the 
various  methods  employed,  including  the  processes 
of  excision,  of  crushing  and  of  tearing.  Even  the 
castration  of  females  was  known  to  our  less  remote 
ancestors,  the  Danes  having  in  the  sixteenth  century 
performed  it  on  sheep,  swine,  cows,  and  even  mares. 
The  spaying  of  cows,  however,  seems  to  have  been 
forgotten  about  the  beginning  of  the  present  century, 
and  it  was  not  until  the  year  1831  that  Thomas  Winn, 
of  Natchez  (Louisiana\  and  afterwards  Levrat  (of 
Lausanne),  brought  it  to  the  attention  of  veterinari- 
ans, as  a  means  for  the  improvement  of  the  milky 
secretion  in  cows. 

The  operation  may  be  considered  under  two  distinct 
heads.  Under  the  first  it  is  to  be  considered  as  one 
of  necessity,  as  when  performed  with  a  therapeutic 
object  in  view ;  as,  for  example,  when  it  constitutes 
one  of  the  first  steps  involved  in  the  surgical  treat- 
ment of  strangulated  hernia^  or  of  diseased  conditions 
of  the  testicles  or  ovaries,  such  as  orchitis,  epididy- 


ANIMAL   CASTRATION.  5 

mitis,  sarcoceie,  hydrocele,  cyst,  etc.  In  the  other 
case  it  is  resorted  to  for  reasons  of  laere  fashion  and 
convenience,  and  has  for  its  object  the  production  of 
such  a  modification  of  the  general  organism  as  shall 
increase  the  adaptedness  of  the  animals  subjected  to 
it  to  the  uses  to  which  they  are  applied  ;  when,  of 
course,  the  economic  becomes  the  paramount  and  ex- 
clusive reason  for  thus  interfering  with  the  obvious 
creative  purpose.  It  is  the  operation  as  performed 
under  this  general  heading  that  we  shall  now  prin- 
cipally consider. 

In  relation  to  this  latter  object  it  must  be  borne  in 
mind  that  the  operation  is  followed  by  certain  pecu- 
liar effects,  which  may  either  manifest  themselves 
upon  the  entire  organism,  or  upon  some  special  func- 
tions only.  In  the  first  instance  it  is  quite  evident 
that  the  primary  and  most  obvious  effect  of  the  mu- 
tilation is  to  be  discovered  in  the  character  and  dis- 
position of  the  animal,  which  at  once  becomes  in  a| 
double  sense  an  "  altered  "  creature,  docile  and  sub- 
missive, and  entirely  willing  to  become  the  obedient 
and  useful  servant  of  his  human  master.  But  it  is 
not  alone  that  we  find  the  vicious  stallion,  the  un- 
controllable bull,  the  kicking  jackass,  the  dangerous 
boar,  and  even  the  hysteric  mare  and  cow  transformed 
into  the  useful  gelding,  the  quiet  ox,  the  patient  don- 
key, and  the  "  fatherly "  barrow,  the  quiet  working- 
mare  and  the  productive  cow,  as  the  result  of  the 
change  which  the  cliaracter — the  nervous  system,  in 
fact — has  undergone.  Besides  this,  other  marked 
changes    are    to   be    observed  of  a  more   distinctly 


^ 


6  ANIMAL  CASTRATION. 

physical  character,  such  as  a  modification  of  the 
entire  organism,  manifested  in  the  external  symme- 
try, and  the  expressive  physiognomy  of  the  creature^ 
when  deprived  of  its  virility. 

The  animal  becomes  more  quiet,  and  its  general 
form  is  modified.  If  altered  at  an  early  age,  the 
skeleton  will  be  arrested  in  its  growth,  and  the  mass 
of  muscles  attached  to  it  will  participate  in  the  de- 
fective development ;  the  head  will  become  elongated, 
the  legs  will  continue  to  be  lighter,  and  the  body 
will  show  a  corresponding  lack  of  development.  In 
other  words,  the  male  animal  will  tend  to  assume  the 
characters  of  the  female,  in  form  and  feature,  the 
gelding,  indeed,  resembling  the  mare,  not  only  in  the 
ensemble  of  his  appearance,  but  in  his  voice,  which 
loses  the  resonance  of  the  stallion's,  and  his  physi- 
ognomy, which  becomes  milder  and  less  expressive ; 
while  his  neck  is  lighter  and  his  mane  more  scanty, 
with  the  hairs  which  compose  it  more  fine  and  silky, 

1A  like  tendency  exists  in  other  male  animals  to 
acquire  a  resemblance  to  the  female  as  an  effect  of 
the  operation  of  castration.  The  altered  bull  has  a 
weak  and  feminine  voice  ;  his  head  is  narrower  and 
elongated ;  his  horns  become  lengthened  and  more 
curved ;  he  has  exchanged  his  wild  and  threatening 
aspect  for  a  mild  and  gentle  visage  ;  his  neck  also  is 
lighter  and  his  chest  narrower  ;  his  bony  structure 
is  less  massive  ;  and  he  has,  besides  all  the  rest,  ac- 
quired a  quality  of  essential  importance  to  mankind 
in  a  dietetic  view,  that  of  accumulating  fat.  This 
last  phenomenon  shows   us  that  besides  the  other 


ANIMAL   CASTRATION.  7 

changes  rf  terred  to,  there  is  an  important  modifica- 
tion of  the  nutritive  forces  of  the  animal,  or  at  least 
a  change  in  the  direction  of  their  action. 

When  thus  deprived  of  his  virile  functions  the 
animal  ceases,  in  effect,  to  exist  as  one  of  a  species, 
but  maintains  an  essentially  individual  life,  in  which 
the  assimilable  nutriment  which  he  absorbs,  instead 
of  being  in  part  appropriated  to  the  office  of  repro- 
duction of  his  kind,  is  all  devoted  to  his  own  individ- 
ual conservation.  In  animals  not  used  for  draught 
purposes,  or  in  other  labor,  when  the  food  received 
is  nearly  always  in  excess  of  the  amount  required  for 
the  support  of  the  organism,  the  result  follows  that 
the  surplus  of  nutritive  substances  (found  sometimes 
in  great  abundance)  becomes  stored  in  the  connective 
tissue  and  intermuscular  structure,  and  that  in  this 
way  the  flesh  assumes  superior  and  more  nutritious 
qualities  than  that  of  the  unaltered  animal,  while,  at 
the  same  time,  it  loses  the  strong  and  peculiar  odor 
frequently  communicated  to  it  by  the  presence  of  the 
testicular  apparatus  and  secretion  in  the  entire 
animal. 

This  property  of  modification  of  function  is  proba- 
bly still  better  illustrated  in  the  effect  of  the  opera- 
tion upon  cows,  where  we  shall  find  not  only  the  power 
of  accumulation  of  fat  increased  by  castration,  but, 
above  all,  the  milky  secretion  improved  both  in  qual- 
ity and  quantity,  and  also  in  the  duration  of  the  flow. 


8  ANIMAL   CASTRATION. 

AGE. 

The  question,  "  at  what  age  can  an  entire  animal 
be  altered?"  admits  of  a  simple  answer,  to  wit,  "as 
soon  as  the  testicles  can  be  easily  reached — as  soon 
as  they  appear  outside  of  the  abdominal  cavity,  and 
are  found  in  the  inguinal  canal."  But  although  it 
can  be  performed  at  that  epoch,  or  deferred  to  any 
period  of  after  life,  it  must  be  remembered  that  it  is 
easier  and  less  dangerous  in  young  than  in  older  ani- 
mals, and  that  with  the  foraier  it  is  a  simple  opera-- 
tion,  producing,  ordinarily,  no  noticeable  alteration 
in  the  other  functions,  and  but  rarely  followed  by 
accidents. 

A  period  between  eighteen  months  and  two  years 
is  generally  preferred  for  horses,  though,  according 
to  some  authors,  even  a  much  earlier  date  may  be 
chosen,  some  English  veterinarians  being  accustomed 
to  operate  at  as  early  a  date  as  ten  days  from  births 
It  is  immaterial,  however,  at  what  precise  time  the 
operation  may  be  performed,  since  it  is  a  conceded 
point  that  the  earlier  it  is  done  the  better. 

SEASON. 

When  it  is  possible  to  choose  the  season  most  fa- 
vorable for  the  operation,  and  for  securing  the  best 
chances  of  recovery,  tliaj&p34Bg3--ei*-41ieL-fi^ly^stages^ 
^of_ili^_falL,.ai:a  those  to  which  the  operator  should 
give  the  preference,  provided  the  atmospheric  tem- 
perature is  moderate  and  not  susceptible  to  sudden 
variations.     It  is  to  be  remembered   that  at  some 


ANIMAL   CASTRATION.  9 

periods  of  the  year,  without  any  known  or  apparent 
cause,  a  tendency  appears  in  wounds  to  take  on  gan- 
grenous or  septicemic  complications  which  are  not 
so  generally  observed  in  the  mild  weather  of  spring 
and  early  fall.  Another  essential  condition  which 
surgeons  will  do  well  to  take  into  consideration  is  the 
general  health  of  the  subject,  as  in  all  cases  of  surgi- 
cal interference,  any  diseased  tendency  already  exist- 
ing (perhaps  latent)  in  the  patient,  such  as  an  anaemic 
condition,  a  gourmy  predisposition,  or  typhoid  sus- 
ceptibility are  likely  to  give  rise  to  the  development 
of  serious  and  perhaps  fatal  sequelae  to  an  operation 
which,  simple  as  it  may  be  in  itself,  is  nevertheless 
not  without  danger,  or  of  possible  complications  of 
its  own. 

PREPARATIONS. 

The  preparations  to  which  the  animal  is  to  be  sub- 
jected previous  to  undergoing  the  operation  are  the 
Liime  as  those  which  are  required  in  other  cases  of 
surgical  manipulation.  Some  portions  of  the  prep- 
arations are,  perhaps,  of  even  greater  importance, 
and  may  not,  on  any  account,  be  overlooked,  when 
we  take  into  consideration  the  peculiar  position  in 
which  the  animal  must  frequently  be  secured  in  order 
effectually  to  control  his  movements.  Hence,  a  low 
diet  for  twenty-four  hours  preceding  that  appointed 
for  the  operation,  and  an  empty  stomach  at  the  time 
of  castration,  with  a  thorough  washing  of  the  sheatli> 
are  precautions  which  no  surgeon  entitled  to  the 
name  will  overlook  or  neglect,  especially  when  a  soli- 


10  ANIMAL   CASTRATION. 

ped  is  to  be  subjected  to  the  knife.  We  shall  dis- 
cuss hereafter  the  indications  in  the  case  of  the  cas- 
tration of  large  females. 

RESTRAINT. 

Two  modes  of  restraint  are  employed  in  securing 
the  animals  during  the  manipulations  for  the  removal 
of  the  testicles,  one  which  is  applied  to  all  the  various 
methods  yet  to  be  described,  and  the  other  applica- 
ble principally  to  the  method  of  amputation  of  the 
cord  by  the  use  of  the  ecraseur.  In  the  former,  the 
animal  is  thrown  down  and  secured  with  one  of  his 
hind  legs  fixed  in  a  position  in  which  the  inguinal 
region  is  fully  exposed.  In  the  latter  he  is  allowed 
to  remain  in  a  standing  posture,  and  is  kept  quiet  by 
the  application  of  a  twitch  upon  his  upper  lip.  As 
the  first  mode  of  securing  the  patient  is  the  safest 
for  all  parties  engaged  in  the  undertaking,  and  from 
the  further  fact  of  its  applicability  in  all  methods  of 
operating,  we  shall  first  consider  it  somewhat  in  detail. 

By  veterinarians  who  employ  the  old  method  of 
casting  with  four  hobbles,  the  animal,  being  properly 
prepared,  is  thrown  upon  whichever  side  corresponds 
with  the  operator's  habit  of  manipulation,  whether 
with  the  right  hand  or  the  left,  and  the  leg  opposite 
to  that  on  which  he  is  lying  being  released  from  the 
hobble,  is  carried  forward  upon  the  corresponding 
shoulder,  as  far  as  it  can  be  safely  done.  To  effect 
this  a  loop  of  rope  or  platelonge  is  passed  around 
the  coronet,  below  the  fetlock,  the  free  end  being 
carried  forward  over  the  dorsal  border  of  the  neck. 


ANIMAL  CASTRATION. 


11 


under  the  neck,  towards  its  anterior  border,  and  is 
then  carried  back  under  the  same  hind  leg,  between 
the  hinder  extremities  and  over  the  hock,  from  the 


posterior  border,  where  an  assistant,  stationed  at  the 
back  of  the  animal,  is  ready  to  receive  it  (Fig.  1). 
By  careful,  gradual  and  steady  pulling  upon  the  rope 
the  foot  is  brought  forward  upon  the  external  surface 


12  ANIMAL   CASTRAIION. 

of  the  shoulder,  and  there  secured  by  two  or  three 
turns  of  the  rope  around  the  coronet. 

But  it  often  occurs  that  in  this  position  the  inguinal 
region  is  not  sufficiently  exposed,  and  some  of  the 
steps  of  the  operation  may  thus  be  rendered  difficult,, 
even  when  the  surgeon  has  taken  the  precaution  to 
pose  the  body  of  the  patient  and  place  him  partly  on 
his  back,  by  means  of  bundles  of  straw  pressed  under 
the  side  upon  which  he  lies.  Many  operators  prefer 
the  use  of  the  double  side  line,  with  which,  when  the 
animal  is  thrown,  both  hind  legs  are  brought  forward 
together,  and  he  is  fixed  squarely  upon  his  back,  and 
the  inguinal  region  thus  brought  distinctly  into  view. 
The  manipulation  is  thereby  made  easier  for  the  sur- 
geon, and,  it  is  claimed,  safer  for  the  patient.  The 
possibility  of  danger  attending  these  methods  has 
led  many  veterinarians  in  Europe,  and  in  the  United 
States  as  well,  to  prefer  the  operation  with  the  ani- 
mal in  the  standing  posture.  But  it  is  to  be  con- 
sidered that  the  same  complications  may  rise  in  all 
instances,  with  the  exception  of  apprehended  injury 
to  the  vertebral  column,  which,  though  possible,  is 
almost  unknown,  in  fact,  at  the  usual  age  of  the  cas- 
trated animal.  It  is  to  be  considered,  likewise,  that 
the  animal,  on  his  feet,  is  free  to  struggle  as  violently 
as  he  wishes,  and  is  thus  exposed  to  the  risk  of  the 
pulling  and  laceration  of  the  spermatic  cord,  and  a 
resulting  predisposition  to  enlargements  of  that  body 
and  the  formation  of  champignons.  When  it  is  con- 
sidered, again,  that  by  the  traction  of  the  cord  the 
superior  opening  of  the  inguinal  canal  is  necessarily 


-^^z 


Fig.  2. 
.  Testicular  envelope.  2.  Posterior  serous  septum.  2.  White 
muscular  fibres  of  Bouley.  3.  Serous  membrane —portion 
of  the  tunica  vaginalis  3'.  3' .  Visceral  layers  of  the  tunica 
covering  the  cord  and  the  testicles.  4.  The  testicle  with  its 
peritoneal  covering.  5.  The  epididymis.  5'.  Globus  major. 
5  '.  Globus  minor,  the  tail.  6.  Deferent  canal.  7.  Spermatic 
blood  vessels  and  nerves. 


ANIMAL   CASTRATION.  15 

dilated,  and  the  formation  of  a  hernia  of  castration  is 
liable  to  take  place,  we  submit  the  point  to  the  intel- 
ligent judgment,  whether,  in  the  presence  of  these 
possibilities  of  extremely  dangerous  accidents,  it  does 
not  become  the  duty  of  the  veterinarian  to  prefer  the 
mode  of  securing  his  patient  in  the  supine  position, 
both  in  his  own  behalf  and  that  of  his  employer. 

ANATOMY. 

We  now  pass  rapidly  in  review  the  anatomical 
structure  of  the  inguinal  region  and  of  the  testicular 
organs.  A  knowledge  of  these  is  of  course  essential 
to  a  proper  understanding  of  the  description  of  the 
various  modes  of  operation,  and  of  some  of  their 
sequelae,  upon  which  we  shall  soon  enter. 

The  testicular  envelopes,  passing  from  the  surface 
inwards,  are  represented  by  the  scrotum,  the  dartos, 
the  cellular  coat,  the  tunica  erythroida,  formed  by 
the  cremaster,  and  the  fibrous  and  serous  or  vaginal 
sac  (Fig.  2).  The  scrotum  is  a  continuation  of  the 
skin,  and  forms  a  complete  bag,  common  to  both 
testicles,  which  it  contains  and  covers ;  the  skin  being 
here  thin,  vascular  and  nervous,  usually  black  in 
color,  almost  hairless,  and  soft  and  unctuous  to  the 
touch.  It  is  divided  into  two  lateral  halves  by  a  raphce 
or  median  line.  It  is  very  elastic,  and  easily  yields 
to  the  efforts  of  distention,  to  which  it  is  subjected, 
and  when  stretched  over  the  organs  it  contains,  pre- 
sents a  shining  aspect,  due  to  the  sebaceous  secretion 
which  covers  it.     It  easily  contracts  to  its  shrunken 


13  ANIMAL   CASTRATION. 

condition,  and  may  he  closely  drawn  up  into  the  in- 
guinal canal,  when  it  assumes  a  thickly  wrinkled 
surface. 

The  second  envelope,  the  dartos,  is  a  prolongation 
of  the  tunica  abdominalis,  and  is  a  yellow,  fibrous 
structure,  forming  two  distinct  sacs  resting  upon  each 
other,  and  lying  on  the  inside  of  the  scrotum,  to  which 
it  is  intimately  adherent. 

In  the  lateral  and  superior  parts  the  adhesions  are 
looser,  and  in  front  it  becomes  continuous  with  the 
suspensory  ligament  of  the  sheath,  which,  like  itself, 
forms  a  portion  of  the  abdominal  tunic.  Under  the 
dartos  is  a  layer  of  very  loose  cellular  tissue,  the 
lamellae  of  which  are  so  formed  that  it  may  be  divided 
into  several  superimposed  layers.  This  formation 
endows  the  testicle  with  great  mobility  in  the  dartoid 
sac ;  and  these  layers  may  be  easily  separated  with 
the  finger  from  the  external  surface  of  the  fibrous 
coat  beneath,  except  posteriorly,  where  it  forms  a 
strong  band  which  sometimes  requires  even  the  aid 
of  an  instrument  to  divide. 

The  next  envelope  is  represented  by  the  tunica 
erythroida  which  is  the  cremaster  muscle,  and  from 
the  lumbar  region  extends  itself  downwards  into  the 
inguinal  canal  along  the  outside  of  the  cord,  and  ter- 
minates towards  the  superior  part  of  the  testicle  in 
fibres  spreading  only  over  its  external  face.  This 
muscle,  by  its  deep  surface,  rests  upon  the  fibrous 
coat — another  envelope  of  the  testicle  and  of  the  cord 
— and  to  which  it  is  closely  adherent.  To  the  power- 
ful contraction  of  this  muscle  is  due  the  retraction 


ANIMAL  CASTRATION.  17 

of  the  testicle  into  the  depth  of  the  groin,  which  con- 
dition sometimes  it  is  so  difficult  to  overcome  in  the 
first  stages  of  the  operation. 

The  fibrous  testicular  envelope  which  we  have  just 
seen  giving  attachment  to  the  cremastgg^is  a  thin 
membranous  bag,  elongated  liEeThe  neck  of  a  bottle 
around  the  spermatic  cord,  which  it  envelopes,  and 
dilated  below,  in  order  to  enclose  the  testicle.  Lined 
internally  by  the  serous  coat,  to  which  it  intimately 
adheres,  this  last  membrane  is  a  duplicature  of  the 
peritoneum,  drawn  downwards  by  the  testicle  when 
it  descends  from  the  abdominal  cavity  into  the  in- 
guinal canal.  This  serous  envelope  has,  therefore, 
two  coats,  one  lying  on  the  inside  of  the  fibrous  tunic, 
and  called  the  parietal,  and  that  which  covers  the 
cord  and  the  testicle  and  is  known  as  the  visceral. 
These  two  layers  approximate  towards  the  posterior 
border  of  the  cord,  and,  as  they  unite,  form  a  sort  of 
fold,  band,  or  septum  which  divides  into  two  parts  the 
posterior  portion  of  the  vaginal  cavity,  and  becomes 
a  means  of  solid  adhesion  between  the  tail  of  the  epi- 
didymis and  the  bottom  of  the  sac. 

The  testicles,  thus  covered  by  the  visceral  layer  of 
the  serous  coat,  are  suspended  at  the  end  of  the  sperm- 
atic cord,  and  surmounted  upon  their  superior  border 
by  the  epididymis,  the  first  part  of  the  deferent  canal, 
which  is  folded  upon  itself,  while  at  its  posterior  ex- 
tremity—the "tail,"  so  called — it  continues  in  a 
straight  course,  and  conveys  the  product  of  the  secre- 
tion of  the  testicles  into  the  vesiculae  seminales, 
lodged  in  the  pelvic  cavity. 


18  ANIMAL  CASTRATION. 

The  spermatic  cord  is  formed  anteriorly  by  the 
spermatic  or  great  testicular  artery,  which  forms,  in 
that  portion,  a  large  number  of  flexuosities,  caus- 
ing its  length  greatly  to  exceed  that  of  the  cord  to 
which  it  belongs.  It  contains  a  network  of  veins,  and 
lymphatic  vessels  in  abundance,  which  are  united  to 
the  curves  of  the  artery  by  a  somewhat  loose  cellular 
tissue.  A  large  number  of  nervous  branches,  given 
off  by  the  solar  plexus,  surrounds  the  whole. 

Between  the  lamellae  of  peritoneal  structure  which 
forms  the  posterior  septum,  and  which  unites  the 
parietal  with  the  visceral  layer,  there  is  found  a  band 
of  grey  muscular  fibres — first  discovered,  I  believe, 
by  H.  Bouley — which  exerts  a  powerful  agency  in  the 
retraction  of  the  testicle  towards  the  inguinal  ring. 
Behind  this  muscle,  and  situated  on  the  internal  face 
of  the  septum,  are  found  the  deferent  canal  and  the 
circumvolutions  of  the  small  testicular  artery. 

Having  thus  considered  the  essential  points  of  the 
anatomical  structure  of  these  organs,  we  shall  next 
seek  to  enforce  the  importance  of  their  careful  study 
in  reference  to  the  intelligent  and  skilful  performance 
of  the  important  operation  which  we  are  discussing. 


CHAPTER  II. 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  THE  METHODS — THREE  CLASSES — 
FIRST,  IMMEDIATE  AMPUTATION — SECOND,  AMPUTA- 
TION AFTER  APPLICATION  OF  HEMOSTATIC  MEANS 
UPON  THE  CORD — THIRD,  WITHOUT  AMPUTATION,  BUT 
DESTRUCTION  OF  SECRETING  POWER  OF  THE  ORGAN 
— SIMPLE  EXCISION — SCRAPING TEARING  AND  TOR- 
SION—  TORSION  —  FREE  AND  LIMITED — ABOVE  OR 
BELOW  THE  EPIDIDYMIS — LINEAR  CRUSHING — FIRING. 

The  methods  of  performing  the  operation  of  cas- 
tration may  be  variously  classified,  though  in  each 
class  a  varying  number  of  modes  will  come  under 
our  notice. 

The  first  class  will  include  the  operations  by  which, 
the  envelopes  having  been  cut  through,  the  vaginal 
sac  opened  and  the  testicle  exposed,  the  organ  is 
separated  by  an  immediate  section  of  the  cord.  A 
number  of  diff'erent  processes  are  included  under 
this  head,  among  which  are  those  of  scraping^  of  tear-- 
ing,  of  torsion,  of  linear  crushing,  or  by  the  ecraseur, 
and  otjiring,  or  the  actual  cautery. 

^9) 


20  .  ANIMAL    CASTKATION. 

The  second  class  has  also  for  its  first  or  prelimi- 
nary step,  that  of  the  first,  viz.,  the  incision  of  the 
bags,  the  opening  of  the  vaginal  sac,  and  the  expos- 
ure of  the  testicle.  But  instead  of  removing  the  or- 
gan by  the  division  of  the  cord,  we  proceed  as  a 
second  step,  to  the  application  of  an  apparatus  de- 
signed to  operate  by  producing  compression  along 
the  length  of  the  cord,  and  in  this  are  included  but 
two  modes  of  operating,  that  by  the  ligature  and  that 
by  the  damps. 

The  third  class,  according  to  our  category,  presents 
to  our  view  two  further  operations,  both  of  which 
are  essentially  bloodless  and  dispense  with  the  in- 
cision of  the  bags,  consisting  of  certain  peculiar 
manipulations  which  insure  the  destruction  of  the 
testicular  structure,  and  consequently  of  its  secreting 
power.  They  comprehend  the  process  of  the  crush- 
ing of  the  spermatic  cord,  and  that  of  subcutaneous  double 
tivisting — the  bistournage  of  the  French. 

We  now  enter  upon  the  consideration  of  each  of 
the  separate  modes  we  have  thus  enumerated. 

SIMPLE   EXCISION. 

This  is  claimed  to  be  one  of  the  oldest  modes  of 
operating,  and  though  to  a  great  extent  discarded  by 
practitioners  of  the  present  day,  still  finds  its  appli- 
cation in  the  treatment  of  the  smaller  animals.  With 
larger  patients,  however,  though  still  strongly  recom- 
mended by  some  practitioners,  it  is  not  generally  em- 
ployed on  account  of  the  profuse  hemorrhage  which 
necessarily  follows  the  amputation  of  the  cord.    Still 


ANIMAL   CASTEATION.  21 

it  is  conceded  that  this  hemorrhage,  as  in  many  cases 
of  the  clean,  transverse  section  of  arterial  blood 
vessels,  will  cease  spontaneously  by  the  contraction 
of  the  vessels  on  themselves,  and  the  formation  of  a 
clot  at  the  divided  end,  as  well  as  in  the  surrounding 
cellular  tissue.  However,  there  is  a  possibility  of  the 
continuance  of  the  hemorrhage  for  some  length  of 
time,  and  the  bad  effects  of  excessive  depletion  are 
not  to  be  overlooked,  especially  in  an  animal  whose 
general  constitution  has  from  any  cause  suffered  im- 
pairment. If  there  is  any  one  of  the  various  modes 
of  operating  in  which  the  standing  position  is  allow- 
able, this,  in  our  opinion,  is  the  one,  the  steps 
of  the  process  being  so  few  and  so  short,  and 
admitting  such  simplicity  and  rapidity.  These  con- 
sist in  making  a  free  opening  in  the  bag,  reaching 
with  a  single  stroke  of  the  knife  into  the  vaginal 
cavity;  grasping  the  testicle  and  pulling  it  gently 
downwards ;  and  cutting  the  cord  right  across,  from 
the  front  backwards,  above  the  epididymis,  the  cord 
returning  of  itself  into  the  vaginal  sac — the  division 
being  made,  of  course,  on  both  sides.  The  animal  is 
then  kept  quiet  in  his  stall  and  left  alone  until  the 
hemorrhage  subsides. 

SCRAPING. 

This  operation,  which  is  said  to  have  originated  in 
India,  is  but  a  modification  of  the  preceding.  In- 
stead, however,  of  using  a  sharp  edged  instrument 
to  divide  the  cord,  the  surgeon,  on  the  contrary,  em- 
ploys a  dull  knife,  with  which  the  coats  of  the  artery 


22  ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 

and  portions  of  the  cord  are  scraped  until  the  sepa- 
ration takes  place.  They  are  thus  placed  in  good 
condition  for  their  temporary  closure.  This  method 
is  probably  attended  with  a  diminished  amount  of 
hemorrhage,  and  if  carefully  performed,  it  may  be 
entirely  absent,  the  clot  closing  the  artery,  and  the 
condition  of  the  lacerated  threads  of  the  vessel  acting 
favorably,  as  well,  in  preventing  it.  The  manipula- 
tions are  similar  to  those  accompanying  the  simple 
excision,  though  it  is  better  and  more  safely  effected 
when  the  animal  is  on  his  back.  The  testicles  being 
exposed  by  the  incision  through  the  envelopes,  the 
posterior  septum  of  the  cord  is  cut  through  by  a 
transverse  section,  and  the  scraping  of  the  anterior 
fasciculus  of  the  cord  then  performed,  by  a  slow 
movement  from  above  downwards,  along  a  certain 
extent,  in  order  to  effect  a  solution  of  continuity  by 
a  sort  of  wearing  through  the  tissues.  This  opera- 
tion is  slow  and  requires  a  careful  hand  for  its  execu- 
tion. But  as  it  may  in  some  cases  be  followed  by 
severe  hemorrhage,  it  cannot,  for  that  reason,  be 
recommended  for  large  animals,  for  solipeds  espe- 
cially. 

TEARING  AND   TORSION. 

These  two  modes  of  operation  may,  to  a  great  ex- 
tent, be  considered  as  identical.  Indeed,  the  mode 
of  torsion  may  be  said  to  have  arisen  principally  as  a 
modification  of  that  of  tearing,  which  is  the  older. 
In  tearing,  the  cord  was  subjected  to  a  cert-ftin  amount 
of  torsion  hy  the  hand,  and  then  torn  apart  at  a  given 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION.  23 

point  in  its  length ;  while  in  the  process  of  simple  tor- 
sion, as  properly  performed,  we  obtain  a  division  of  the 
cord  by  twisting  it  tvith  instruments,  which  enables 
the  operator  to  effect  the  separation  at  a  definitely 
determined  spot.  Tearing  differs,  then,  from  torsion 
only  in  the  fact  that  after  giving  several  twists  to  the 
cord  in  order  to  gather  its  fibres  into  a  more  compact 
mass,  and  to  diminish  the  resistance  of  the  more 
superficial  layers,  it  is  divided  in  its  continuity  by  a 
violent  traction  upon  its  fibres  in  the  direction  of  its 
length. 

In  this  process,  especially  applied  to  ruminants, 
the  testicle  being  exposed,  the  operator  secures  the 
cord  firmly  with  the  thumb  and  index  finger  of  one 
hand,  to  prevent  the  traction  from  taking  effect  too 
far  upwards  when  being  made  by  the  other  hand, 
after  the  cord  has  been  twisted  a  few  times  on  itself, 

TORSION. 

In  this  method  of  castration  the  cord  is  twisted 
with  sufficient  force  to  cause  it  to  break  of  itself  at 
the  point  of  the  greatest  violence.  Its  design  is  to 
accomplish  the  removal  of  the  testicle  without  drag- 
ging or  excessive  traction  upon  the  cord,  and  thus  to 
avoid  the  hemorrhage  following  the  torsion  of  the 
spermatic  artery,  as  a  mode  of  hemostasis  sufficient 
to  prevent  the  flow  of  blood  attendant  upon  the  rup- 
ture of  the  cord.  The  operation  may  be  performed 
either  above  or  below  the  epididymis,  or  may  con- 
sist simply  in  the  torsion  of  the  artery  alone.  At 
first  the  hands  only  were  called  upon  to  act  in  the 


24  ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 

manipulations,  and  the  operation  was  from  this 
cause  known  as  free  torsion,  until  about  fifty  years 
ago,  when  instruments  were  introduced  into  general 
practice,  and  gave  rise  to  the  plan  of  limited  torsion, 

FREE   TORSION. 

Free  torsion,  or  that  in  which  the  hands  alone  are 
employed  in  the  operation,  may  be  performed,  as 
before  stated,  either  above  or  below  the  epididymis. 

Above  the  Epididymis. — The  first  is  one  of  the  oldest 
modes  of  castration  known;  one  which  must  have 
been  practiced  contemporaneously  with  the  use  of 
clamps,  or  in  the  first  age  of  surgery.     The  first  steps 
of  the  operation  required  for  the  exposure  of  the 
testicles  are  the  same  as  have  already  been  detailed. 
When  this  is  accomplished  the  steps  of  torsion  and 
rupture  are  then  performed  in  the  following  manner  : 
The  operator,  grasping  the  testicle,  carefully  draws 
out  the  spermatic  cord,  and  with  a  pointed  bistoury 
makes  a  transverse  incision,  above  the  tail  of  the 
epididymis,  through   the   posterior   septum    of  the 
cord,  involving  what  we  know  as  the  white  muscle  of 
Bouley,  the  efferent  canal,  and  the  small  testicular 
artery.     He  then  seizes  the  anterior  fasciculus  of  the 
cord  between  the  thumb  and  index  finger  of  the  left 
hand,  squeezing  it  as  tightly  as  possible,  and  having 
with  the  other  hand  secured  the  cord  at  a  short  dis- 
tance below  the  point  where  the  left  hand  has  already 
been   placed,  performs   the   torsion   by   a   rotatory 
movement   given   to  the  testicle  itself,  the  motion 
having  for  its  result  the  twisting  and  tearing  of  the 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION.  25 

cord  when  long  enough  continued  to  overcome  the 
tenacity  of  its  fibres.  Fifteen  or  twenty  turns  of  the 
organ  will  usually  be  found  sufficient  to  effect  the 
rupture.  A  considerable  degree  of  strength  in  the 
fingers  is  required  in  this  movement,  and  for  this 
reason  the  torsion  may  take  effect  further  up  than 
may  be  desired,  and  beyond  the  point  designed, 
which  may  result  in  an  unnecessary  amount  of  irri- 
tation and  injury.  When  the  torsion  has  gone  so  far 
that  the  rupture  of  the  cord  has  been  effected,  the 
stump  is  released,  and  retracts  in  the  inguinal  canal 
to  a  certain  height  limited  by  the  presence  of  the 
posterior  septum,  which  holds  it  in  place,  and  to  a 
great  extent  prevents  its  return  through  the  superior 
orifice  of  the  inguinal  canal. 

Below  the  Epididymis, — This,  the  fourth  step  of  the 
operation,  consists  in  the  separation  of  the  testicle 
from  the  epididymis  and  the  torsion  of  one  upon  the 
other.  The  testicle  being  exposed,  the  operator, 
taking  hold  of  its  appendix,  the  epididymis,  with  the 
left  hand,  and  of  the  gland  with  the  right,  their  cellu- 
lar serous  attachment  is  divided  by  the  thumbs  from 
the  posterior  to  the  anterior  extremity,  from  the  tail 
to  the  head  of  the  twisted  efferent  canal.  If  this 
cannot  be  done  with  the  hand,  the  convex  bistoury 
must  be  called  into  action.  This  accomplished,  the 
head  of  the  epididymis  is  firmly  secured  with  the 
fingers  of  the  left  hand,  and  the  right  hand,  left  free, 
gives  to  the  testicle  the  number  of  rotatory  motions 
necessary  to  separate  it  from  its  excretory  canal — 
that  is,  from  eight  to  ten.     When  the  testicle  is  thus 


26 


AmMAL   CASTEATION. 


severed,  the  stump  of  the  end,  with  the  epididymis, 
is  pushed  back  into  the  vaginal  sac,  where  it  is  con- 
fined by  the  application  of  a  suture  upon  the  middle 
of  the  edge  of  the  scrotal  wound. 


LIMITED    TORSION. 

Limited  Torsicni  Above  the  Epididymis, — As  we  have 
seen,  this  is  the  operation  by  which  the  division  of 
the  spermatic  cord  is  effected  by  torsion  made  upon 
a  given  point  in  its  length,  and  limited  by  the  use  of 
special  instruments. 

We  have  already  called  attention  to  the  difficulty 

Fig.  3. 
A  B 


FIXING  FORCEPS  FOR  TORSION. 

A.— Renault  and  Delafond  pattern, 
B. — Perier. 
C. — Reynal. 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 


27 


of  the  operation  of  free  torsion,  which  requires  a 
great  deal  of  strength,  and  which,  besides,  may  be 
accompanied  by  a  serious  inflammatory  condition  of 
the  parts,  through  rough  manipulations  of  the  cord. 
It  is  for  this  reason  that  this  mode  of  procedure 
must  have  been  reserved  for  small  animals,  as,  if 
performed  upon  the  larger  kinds,  it  can  only  be  by 
men  whose  muscular  force  is  sufficient  to  enable 
them  to  overcome  and  bring  into  subjection  the 
struggling  subjects  of  their  operations. 

It  was  in  1883  that  two  French  veterinarians, 
Renault  and  Delafond,  of  the  Alfort  school,  intro- 
duced the  use  of  instruments  in  the  operation,  as  an 
improvement  upon  the  manual  methods  and  their 
effects  on  the  sequelae,  though  it  is  said  to  have  been 
Fig.  4. 


MOVING   FORCEPS    FOR    CASTRATION    BY    TORSION. 

Henault  and  Delafond  pattern.  Reynal  pattern. 


28  ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 

already  practiced  in  Germany  as  far  back  as  the  last 
century.  The  instruments  employed  are  two  forceps 
of  peculiar  construction,  and  which  were  more  or 
less  modified,  one  of  which  {fixing  forceps.  Fig.  3,) 
is  to  be  applied  upon  a  fixed  point  of  the  cord,  where 
it  is  suffered  to  remain,  and  the  other  {moving  forceps, 
Fig.  4,)  is  employed  to  accomplish  the  rotation  of 
the  testicle  and  the  lower  end  of  the  cord.  Those  of 
Renault  and  Delafond  or  of  Keynal  are  now  in  gen- 
eral use.  Those  of  Beaufils  (Fig.  5)  are,  we  believe, 
too  complicated  for  general  use. 

Modiis  Operandi, — In  the  first  step  of  the  opera- 
tion, the  ordinary  manipulations  of  the  division  of 
the  envelopes,  the  opening  of  the  sac  and  exposure 
of  the  testicle  being  accomplished,  and  the  envelopes 
being  carefully  pushed  upwards,  the  torsion  and  ex- 
cision of  the  cord  are  effected  in  the  following  man- 
ner :  The  entire  cord  is  embraced  by  the  fixing  forceps 
(see  Fig.  6),  or  only  its  anterior  fasciculus  if  the  poste- 
rior septum  has  been  cut,  as  in  the  process  by  free 
torsion  above  the  epididymis.  An  assistant,  seizing  it 
from  before  backwards  between  its  open  branches 
and  strongly  closing  them,  holds  it  firmly,  without 
pulling  upon  the  cord.  The  operator  then  grasps 
the  cord  with  the  moving  forceps  above  the  testicle, 
and  a  little  below  the  point  held  by  the  assistant, 
leaving  a  small  space  between  the  instruments,  and 
closing  his  own  tightly,  begins  the  movement  of  tor- 
sion, which  he  directs  from  left  to  right.  For  this 
he  sometimes  requires  both  hands,  one  of  them  keep- 
ing  the  instrument  in  place,  while  the  other  continues 


(29) 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 


31 


the  rotation  as  described.     Ten  or  fifteen  turns  of  the 
forceps  are  usually  sufficient  to  complete  the  rupture 


§ 

M 

E    ^ 


i 


of  the  cord,  the  artery,  owing  to  its  facility  of  elonga- 
tion, being  the  last  part  to  give  way.     The  testicle 


32  ANIMAL   CASTRATION. 

then  separates,  being  held  in  the  branches  of  the 
moving  forceps  ;  the  fixing  forceps  are  removed,  and 
the  cord  is  drawn  upwards  into  the  vaginal  sac.  It 
is  important  in  this  operation  to  caution  the  assist- 
ant against  drawing  on  the  cord  during  the  struggles 
of  the  animal,  consequent  upon  the  pain  caused  by 
the  first  application  of  the  instruments,  and  the 
pressure  upon  the  parts  when  held  between  their 
inflexible  iron  jaws ;  but  on  the  contrary,  to  maintain 
it  as  closely  as  possible  against  the  inguinal  region. 

This  process  of  castration  is  one  of  the  most  rapid 
of  all  the  forms  of  operating.  The  only  hemorrhage 
likely  to  occur  is  merely  that  of  the  small  testicular 
artery,  if  it  should  happen  to  be  divided  when  the 
torsion  is  confined  to  the  front  portion  of  the  cord. 

Beloiv  the  Epididymis. — This  process  differs  from 
the  preceding  only  in  the  fact  that  instead  of  holding 
the  cord  between  the  fingers,  it  is  held  by  the  fixed 
forceps,  the  use  of  the  moving  instrument  being  ren- 
dered unnecessary  by  the  slightness  of  the  adhesion 
of  the  seminal  gland  to  its  appendix. 

LINEAR   CRUSHING. 

The  originator  of  the  use  of  that  peculiar  instru- 
ment, the  ecraseur  (Fig.  7),  so  valuable  an  adjunct 
in  the  operation  of  castration,  is  Mr.  H.  Bouley, 
who  brought  it  into  use  at  a  date  as  early  as  the 
year  1857.  It  is  not,  therefore,  an  American  inven- 
tion, as  has  sometimes  been  claimed.  The  function 
of  this  instrument  is  to  effect  the  division  of  living 
parts  without  hemorrhage.      The  original  ecraseur 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 


33 


of  Chassaignac  has  received  many  modifications,  all 
of  which,  however,  operate  upon  the  same  principle 
Fig.   7. 


VARIOUS    KINDS  OF  ECRASEURS. 

The  essential  design  of  all  is  to  produce  a  general 
constriction  of  the  blood  vessels,  by  which  their  in- 
ternal and  middle  coats  being  first  divided,  may  con- 
tract within  the  cavity  of  the  vessel  in  such  a  manner 


34  ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 

as  to  close  their  cavity  and  form  a  sort  of  stopper  ta 
the  artery,  while  the  external  cellular  covering,  the 
last  to  undergo  division,  is  so  stretched,  under  the 
action  of  the  instrument,  and  so  closely  adapts  itself 
by  its  ends,  that  insufHation  through  the  free  ends 
of  the  vessels  fails  to  remove  the  closing  arrangement 
of  the  two  coats  first  divided. 

Modus  Operandi, — The  operation  is  comparatively 
a  very  simple  one.  The  testicle  being  exposed,  as 
in  all  the  other  methods,  the  chain  of  the  instrument 
is  so  placed  around  the  cord  that  the  pressure  takes 
place  upon  the  greater  mass  of  tissue,  in  order  that 
it  may  continue  the  longer ;  which  being  done,  the 
lever  of  the  instrument  is  brought  into  action,  and 
the  constriction  caused  by  the  chain  slowly  kept  up 
until  the  definite  division  of  the  tissue  is  accom- 
plished.  The  essential  condition  of  success  in  the 
operation,  having  in  view  the  desired  hemostatic  ef- 
fect, is  to  act  sloioly.  According  to  Prof.  Bouley,  an 
interval  of  several  seconds  should  be  suffered  to 
elapse  after  each  rotation  of  the  wheel  which  moves 
the  chain.  If  the  tissues  are  divided  too  rapidly, 
the  section  of  the  artery  is  apt  to  be  too  clean,  and 
a  hemorrhage  is  likely  to  be  the  result.  This  objec- 
tion, however,  though  made  by  one  of  the  highest 
authorities  in  veterinary  surgery,  does  not  seem  to  be 
justified  by  the  results  obtained  by  American  opera- 
tors, most  of  whom  both  recommend  and  practice  its 
execution  as  rapidly  as  possible ;  and  according  to 
their  own  statements,  a  serious  hemorrhage  is  seldom 
encountered.     The  fact  that  it  has  been  observed  in 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 


35 


any  case,  however,  confirms  the  wisdom  of  the  recom- 
mendation of  Prof.  Bouley,  and  as  most  of  our  Ameri- 
can confreres  prefer  the  operation  with  the  animal  in 
the  standing  posture,  the  reason  of  their  neglect  of 
the  prudent  and  more  truly  surgical  process  can  be 
readily  appreciated.  To  avoid  the  hemorrhage  Dr. 
House  invented  a  clamp  which  he  applied  upon  the 
cord  previous  to  the  amputation  with  the  ecraseur 
(Fig.  8).  This  mode  of  castration  is  not  very  exten- 
Fig.  8 


HOUSE   CLAMPS. 


sively  practiced  by  European  practitioners.  The 
reason  of  this  is  probably  to  be  looked  for  in  the 
essential  necessity  of  safety  which  so  protracts  ita 
performance. 


FIRING. 


This  mode  of  castration  consists  in  the  application 
to  the   cut  end  of  the  testicular  cord — previously 


36 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 


divided  with  the   bistoury,    or    by    the    cautery — 

as  a  means  of  hemostasis,  of  an  iron  heated  to  a 

Fig.  9. 


SINGLE  FORCEPS  FOR  CASTRATION  BY  FIRING. 


DOUBLE  FORCEPS   FOR   CASTRATION  BY  FIRING. 

white  heat — the  actual  cautery      This  is  claimed  to 
be  one  of  the  oldest  modes  of  operating,  Vegetius 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION.  37 

and  Absyrtns  describing  it  as  a  common  process  of 
castration.  It  is  much  in  favor  in  England,  and  in 
some  parts  of  Germany,  though  less  practiced  in 
some  other  parts  of  Europe.  The  instruments  es- 
sentially needed  for  the  operation  of  castration  by 
firing  are  two ;  the  first,  a  peculiar  forceps  for  hold- 
ing the  cord  and  securing  it  while  the  application  of 
the  cautery  is  being  made  ;  and  the  second,  the  iron 
or  cautery  itself. 

These  forceps,  or  nippers,  are  either  single  or  double 
(Fig.  9),  and  may  be  made  either  of  wood  or  of  iron, 
and  more  or  less  modified  in  form,  according  to  the 
fancies  of  the  different  operators.  But  they  all  work 
on  the  same  principle,  and  effect  the  same  object. 
With  the  single  forceps  but  one  cord  can  be  treated 
at  a  time,  but  with  the  double  instrument  both  cords 
may  be  secured  at  once,  and  may  be  divided  and 
cauterized  at  one  step.  In  this  way  the  possibility 
of  disturbing  the  eschar  caused  by  the  cauterization 
of  one  cord  while  manipulating  the  second,  is  quite 
obviated. 

When  the  testicles,  either  or  both,  have  been  ex- 
posed, the  mass  of  the  cord  is  fixed  between  the  jaws 
of  the  forceps,  from  before  backwards,  at  about  one 
inch  above  the  tail  of  the  epididymis,  and  firmly  se- 
cured. This  may  be  effected  either  by  tying  it 
tightly  with  a  string  wound  about  the  handles,  or  by 
means  of  a  spring  crank  with  which  some  instru- 
ments are  furnished.  The  testicle  is  then  amputated, 
either  by  a  stroke  of  the  bistoury,  or  with  the  sharp 
edge  of  the  cautery  carried  across  and  at  a  right 


38  ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 

angle  with  the  direction  of  the  cord.  This  done,  the 
operator  applies  the  broad  portion  of  the  iron  over 
the  entire  surface  of  the  stump  of  the  spermatic  cord, 
and  cauterizes  (or  sears)  the  part  thoroughly.  It 
must  be  remembered  that  to  insure  the  safety  of  the 
cauterization,  the  iron  must  be  very  hot.  Otherwise, 
when  it  is  removed,  if  it  has  cooled  off,  it  may  ad- 
here to  the  carbonized  surface,  and  the  scab  formed 
at  the  end  of  the  blood  vessel  may  accompany  the 
instrument.  The  application  of  pulverized  rosin  to 
the  end  of  the  cord,  previous  to  the  cauterization,  is 
recommended  by  some  practitioners. 

A  very  proper  precaution,  and  one  on  no  account 
to  be  omitted,  is  the  protection  of  the  surrounding 
parts  from  the  radiating  heat  by  covering  them  with 
wet  cloths. 

When  the  operation  is  completed,  the  forceps 
should  be  opened  with  great  care,  in  order  to  ascer- 
tain whether  all  hemorrhage  has  ceased,  and  the 
cord  may  be  allowed  to  retract.  If  any  oozing  of 
blood  appears  at  the  point  of  the  operation,  the  cau- 
terization must  be  repeated  at  the  point  indicated. 

A  free  application  of  cold  water,  in  the  form  of  a 
douche,  after  the  operation,  will  contribute  to  the 
formation  of  a  clot  in  the  cauterized  artery. 


CHAPTEK  III. 

METHODS  OF  THE  SECOND  CLASS  —  CLAMPS — COVERED 
AND  UNCOVERED  OPERATION — INSTRUMENTS — FOUR 
VARIOUS  STEPS — OBJECTION  TO  THIS  METHOD — TIME 
TO  REMOVE  THE  CLAMPS — LIGATURE — OF  THE  CORD 
AND  ITS  ENVELOPES — OF  THE  CORD  ONLY — OF  THE 
SPERMATIC  ARTERY — OF  THE  EFFERENT  CANAL — 
SUBCUTANEOUS   OPERATION. 

Having  completed  the  consideration  of  the  various 
methods  included  in  the  first  class,  we  propose  next 
to  examine  those  entering  into  the  second,  which 
embrace  those  in  which  certain  means  of  pressure 
are  applied  and  suffered  to  remain  upon  the  cord 
previous  to  the  amputation  of  the  testicle.  These 
are  two  in  number,  and  consist  of  the  process  known 
as  that  of  the  clamps,  and  that  which  involves  the 
use  of  the  ligature. 

THE  METHOD  BY  THE  CLAMPS. 

This  is  an  ancient  mode  of  operating,  having  been 
transmitted  to  us  through  many  ages.  It  has  re- 
ceived the   sanction    of  long  practice,   and,  if  not 

(39) 


40  ANIMAL   CASTRATION. 

absolutely  superior  to  all  others,  is  possessed  of 
qualities  and  advantages  which  all  who  have  em- 
ployed it  will  freely  acknowledge. 

It  is  performed  in  two  ways.  One  is  the  process  of 
the  covered,  the  other  of  the  uncovered  testicle.  The 
covered  operation  is  that  in  which  only  a  portion  of 
the  testicular  envelopes  are  divided,  the  scrotum  and 
the  dartos,  the  gland  being  left  covered  with  the  other 
envelopes.  On  the  other  hand,  in  the  uncovered 
operation,  all  the  enveloping  membranes  are  divided, 
and  the  testicle  is  made  to  protrude  outside  of  the 
vaginal  sac.  The  first  three  steps  of  this  mode  of 
operating  are  understood  to  have  been  performed  in 
the  methods  which  we  have  already  considered  as 
generally  preliminary  in  all  cases,  in  order  to  obtain 
access  to  the  cord. 

The  instruments  necessary  to  operate  in  this  case 
are  a  very  sharp  convex  bistoury,  a  pair  of  clamps, 
some  strong  twine,  a  castrating  forceps  and  a  pair  of 
scissors.  The  clamps  are  wooden  or  metallic  pincers, 
formed  to  embrace  the  cord  and  to  be  applied  firmly 
upon  it,  in  order  to  hold  it  securely,  and  to  confine 
the  artery  tightly  enough  to  prevent  the  occurrence 
of  hemorrhage.  The  form  most  ordinarily  used,  and 
probably  most  convenient,  is  made  of  wood,  and  con- 
sists of  two  semi-cylindrical  pieces  (Fig.  10)  joined  at 
one  end  and  resting  together  by  a  flat  and  sometimes 
grooved  surface,  and  measuring  about  six  inches  in 
length.  The  material  is  a  light  but  strong  wood. 
They  are  rounded  at  the  extremities,  in  order  to  avoid 
chafing  the  soft  tissues.     A  groove  at  each  end  is  de- 


ANIMAL  CASTRATION. 


41 


signed  to  receive  the  twine,  which  is  part  of  the  ap- 
pliance. Before  being  used  they  are  tightly  tied 
together  at  one  end,  in  such  a  manner  that  they 

Fig.  10. 


ORDINARY   CLAMP. 


INTERNAL  FACE  OF   CLAMPS. 

spring  open  if  closed.  This  point  is  one  of  the  first 
importance.  It  requires  considerable  exercise  of 
strength  to  place  them  tightly  enough  on  the  cord 
they  are  to  hold,  but  this  firm  juxtaposition,  so  ob- 
tained, facilitates  their  removal,  when  that  is  required. 
The  groove  which  they  carry  on  their  flat  surface 
is  sometimes  filled  with  some  merely  lubricating 
greasy  substance,  usually  simple  ointment,  fresh 
lard,  butter,  or  cream,  though  some  veterinarians 
use  a  caustic  paste.  This  last  mode  of  proceeding 
is  strongly  opposed  by  some  authorities,  as  likely  to 
induce   unnecessary  inflammatory    action,  through 


42  ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 

tlie  formation  of  a  scab,  which  may  require  for  its 
removal  a  process  of  sloughing,  which  may  in  some 
cases  give  rise  to  serious  complications.  As  I  have 
stated,  the  clamps  are  not  always  made  of  wood,  and 
very  many  alterations  and  improvements,  so  called, 

Fig.  11. 
various  shapes  of  clamps, 


Screwed  Clamp.        Spring  Clamp  of  Brandt.  Hinge  Clamp, 

have  been  from  time  to  time  brought  forward.  In  Fig. 
11  a  few  of  these  clamps  are  presented.  The  oldest 
form  is  the  simplest,  and  possesses  the  further  ad- 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 


43 


vantage  of  being  always  easy  to  be  obtained,  while  the 
more  complicated  contrivances  are  not  always  easy 
of  access. 

The  castrating  forceps  (Fig.  12)  are  used  for  bring- 


FiG.  12. 


FORCEPS  TO  HOLD  THE   CLAMP 
TOGETHER 


VISE  FOR  THE  SAME. 


ing  the  clamps  together  while  they  hold  the  spermatic 
cord  between  their  branches.  There  are  several  kinds 
of  these,  but  in  default  of  obtaining  them  readily,  the 
operator  may  find  an  eligible  substitute  in  the  black- 


44  ANIMAL  CASTRATION. 

smith's  nippers  or  the  gasfitter's  tongs.  We  have 
used  this  latter  for  a  good  many  years,  and  have 
found  it  very  well  adapted  to  the  purpose  required, 
by  the  presence  of  its  set  of  double  curved  and  grooved 
jaws.  The  twine  which  it  is  necessary  to  use  to 
keep  the  clamps  closed  when  they  have  been  brought 
into  perfect  contact  with  the  castrating  forceps,  must 
be  soft  and  strong.  A  piece  of  fishing  line,  previously 
waxed,  will  answer  the  purpose  very  well.  In  order  to 
facilitate  the  traction  which  may  be  necessary  to  keep 
the  clamps  in  place,  it  is  a  good  precaution  to  attach 
the  ends  of  the  twine  to  small  wooden  handles 
to  protect  the  hands  from  cutting  by  the  string.  It 
is  well,  also,  to  prepare  a  reserve  of  clamps  and  twine 
against  accidents  from  breakage  or  the  mislaying  of 
these  articles. 

COVERED    OPERATION. 

iffodus  Operandi, — The  animal  being  thrown  on 
either  side,  as  already  described,  and  kept  as 
nearly  as  possible  on  his  back  by  bundles  of 
straw  packed  under  him  on  the  lower  side,  and 
the  right  hind  leg  secured  in  its  proper  position,  and 
the  instruments  placed  within  easy  reach,  the  sur- 
geon proceeds  with  the  fourfold  steps  of  the  opera- 
tion, consisting  first,  in  the  prehension  of  the  left 
testicle,  or  lowest  in  position  ;  second,  the  incision 
through  the  envelopes ;  third,  the  enucleation  of  the 
testicle  ;  and  fourth,  the  application  and  constriction 
of  the  clamps. 

First  step, — The  operation  must  always  begin  with 


ANIMAL   CASTRATION.  45 

the  prehension  of  the  gland  which  corresponds  with 
the  side — the  lower — upon  which  the  animal  is  lying. 
This  obviates  any  danger  of  interference  by  any  little 
hemorrhage  which  might  occur,  and  so  facilitates  the 
application  of  the  clamps.  Then,  placing  himself 
toward  the  back  of  the  patient,  the  operator  reaches 
over  and  grasps  the  lower  testicle  with  both  hands, 
bringing  it  downwards  in  such  a  manner  as  to  stretch 
the  scrotum  over  its  surface.  This  manipulation  is 
not  always  of  easy  performance,  the  contraction  of 
the  cremaster  muscle  being  sometimes  so  powerful 
that  the  gland  successfully  resists  all  the  operator's 
efforts  of  traction.  It  is  sometimes  necessary  to  di- 
vert the  attention  of  the  animal,  in  order  to  facilitate 
this  part  of  the  process,  by  pricking  him  with  a  pin 
on  the  lips  or  about  the  anus,  the  effect  of  the  new 
sensation  being  such  that  his  opposition  is  withdrawn? 
and  the  contraction  ceasing,  he  suffers  passively  the 
traction  of  the  envelopes  over  the  organ.  Or,  the 
same  advantage  may  be  obtained  by  the  inhalation 
of  a  little  ether  or  chloroform.  Then  grasping  the 
cord  with  the  left  hand  and  bringing  the  organ  well 
forward,  the  surgeon  proceeds  to  the 

Second  step,  or  that  of  the  incision  of  the  envelope. 
Holding  the  sharp  convex  bistoury  in  his  right  hand, 
he  takes,  with  the  thumb,  a  point  d'appui  upon  the 
prominent  organ,  and  carries  it  carefully  over  the 
surface  of  the  scrotum  in  a  direction  parallel  with 
the  median  raphe  (described  in  the  first  chapter),  and 
following  the  great  curvature  of  the  testicle,  and  be- 
ing careful  with  the  first  movement  of  the  instru- 


46  ANIMAL   CASTRATION. 

ment  to  divide  only  the  scrotal  skin  and  tlie  dartos, 
until  the  most  superficial  layers  of  the  cellular  tissue 
of  the  third  testicular  envelope  are  reached.  The 
skin  and  the  dartos  being  divided,  the  edges  of  the 
wound  separate,  and  the  testicle,  still  pressed  down- 
wards and  outwards  with  the  left  hand,  protrudes 
more  or  less,  still  included,  as  it  is,  within  its  fibrous 
covering.  A  careful  dissection,  with  a  few  light 
strokes  of  the  bistoury,  or  laceration  with  the  thumb 
nail  of  the  hand,  now  sufiices  for  the  separation  of 
the  fibrous  envelope  from  its  external  covering,  an 
entire  separation  of  both  of  which  can  thus  be  easily 
obtained  by  pressing  the  most  external  layer  up- 
wards through  the  laceration  of  the  cellular  coat 
which  unites  them. 

Third  step, — The  operator  now  relieves  himself  (jf 
his  instrument — not,  we  may  venture  to  suggest,  by 
placing  it  between  his  teeth,  as  some  careless  sur- 
geons are  apt  to  do,  but  by  handing  it  to  an  assistant 
— and,  changing  his  position,  places  himself  in  front 
of  the  inguinal  region,  and  facing  it.  He  then  pro- 
ceeds to  the  enucleation  of  the  testicle,  by  separat- 
ing the  adhesion  which  exists  between  the  internal 
face  of  the  dartos  and  the  external  surface  of  the 
cremaster  muscle  and  of  the  fibrous  tunic.  The 
separation  being  completed,  and  the  scrotum  and 
dartos  being  carefully  pushed  upwards,  the  patient 
is  now  ready  for  the  last  step  of  the  operation. 

Fourth  step, — The  testicle,  well  enucleated  from  its 
superficial  envelopes,  but  still  covered  by  the  fibrous 
coat,  and  the  vaginal  sac  still  remaining  intact,  the 


ANIMAL  CASTRATION.  47 

operator,  facing,  ^s  before,  the  inguinal  region,  pro- 
ceeds to  the  application  of  the  clamps.  The  cutane- 
ous covering  and  the  dartos  being  pushed  well  up- 
wards, the  clamp  is  placed  upon  the  cord  above  the 
epididymis,  from  before  backwards,  the  assistant, 
armed  with  the  castrating  forceps,  taking  both  of  its 
branches  between  the  jaws  of  that  instrument,  care- 
fully bringing  them  together,  and  closing  them  as 
tightly  as  possible.  The  instant  of  the  pressure  of 
the  clamp  upon  the  cord  is  marked  by  very  severe 
pain,  and  the  suffering  animal  is  excited  to  powerful 
struggling.  It  is  important  that  the  assistant  should 
be  aware  of  this,  and  he  should  be  forewarned  to  re- 
frain from  pulling  on  the  cord,  and  reminded,  in 
order  to  avoid  injury  from  this  accident,  to  keep  the 
clamps  and  the  forceps  steadily  in  contact  with  the 
inguinal  canal.  It  is  probably  with  a  view  to  the 
avoidance  of  this  possible  injury  that  the  use  of  a 
peculiarly  constructed  vise  or  forceps  has  been  rec- 
ommended. The  forceps  being  in  place,  and  tightly 
confining  the  branches  of  the  clamps,  well  adjusted, 
the  operator  now  applies  the  twine,  and  after  taking 
several  turns  around  the  grooves  of  che  free  ends  of 
the  clamps,  secures  it  carefully  with  a  double  knot. 

The  operation  is  then  repeated  on  the  right  or  up- 
permost testicle  in  the  same  manner,  and  with  the 
same  precautions. 

UNCOVERED  OPERATION. 

The  four  steps  of  this  operation  are  the  same  as 
those  of  the  previous  method,  the  first  requiring  the 


48  ANIMAL   CASTRATION. 

same  manipulations  and  observing  the  same  order, 
but  the  second  involving  some  variations.  In  this 
the  same  careful  dissection  is  dispensed  with,  and 
one  free  incision  suffices,  including  all  the  various 
envelopes,  in  order  to  expose  the  testicle  freely  and 
at  once.  The  incision  is  made  with  one  free  stroke 
of  the  bistoury  extending  from  the  posterior  to  the 
anterior  extremity  of  the  testicle,  and  dividing  at 
once  scrotum,  dartos,  an,d  the  fibrous  and  serous 
coats.  Though  this  is  to  be  done  without  hesitation, 
it  is  by  no  means  necessary  to  adopt  the  practice  of 
some  operators,  who  not  only  divide  the  envelopes, 
but  even  make  a  large  incision  in  the  testicular 
structure  itself,  inflicting  thus  an  unnecessary  amount 
of  pain  from  which  the  animal  might,  with  a  little 
€are,  have  been  spared. 

When  the  surgeon  reaches  the  third  step  of  the 
operation,  and  seizes  the  testicle  with  the  right  hand* 
in  order  to  draw  it  downward  and  outside  of  the 
vaginal  sac,  he  may  encounter  great  resistance  to  his 
traction,  from  the  powerful  opposition  of  the  white 
muscular  tissue  running  along  the  posterior  ^eptum 
of  the  cord-  He  must  then  slowly  and  steadily  draw 
the  testicle  down,  and  at  a  given  moment,  with  a 
single  stroke  with  a  sharp  pointed  bistoury,  divide 
the  serous  band  of  the  posterior  septum,  cutting  at 
once  the  muscular  fibres,  the  efferent  canal  and  the 
small  testicular  artery.  This  being  effected,  the  re- 
sistance will  terminate,  and  the  testicle  may  be 
drawn  down  without  further  difficulty.  The  division 
of  the  septum  is  not  always  resorted  to.     Still,  the 


ANIMAL  CASTRATION.  49 

verdict  of  experience  is  strongl}'  in  favor  of  the  meas- 
ure.     The   application  of  the    clamps  (Fig.  13)   is 

Fig.  13. 


CASTRATION  WITH  UNCOVERED  TESTICLE. 

effected  in  the  same  manner  as  in  the  covered  opera- 
tion, but  in  this  instance  the  clamp  is  placed  higher 
on  the  cord.  For  this  reason  the  assistant  must  be 
especially  careful  during  the  struggles  of  the  patient 
when  the  clamps  are  tightened,  the  danger  of  inguinal 
hernia  at  this  point  being  too  serious  to  be  overlooked. 
The  clamps  being  in  place,  and  properly  secured, 
the  testicles  are  either  left  in  place  and  allowed  to 
slough  away,  or  are  amputated  a  short  distance  be- 
low the  clamps,  as  the  case  may  be.  The  parts  being 
carefully  washed  out,  the  animal  is  allowed  to  rise, 
and  is  returned  to  his  stall. 

An  objection  frequently  urged  against  this  mode  of 
operation  is  that  it  requires  a  second  visit  of  the  sur- 
geon when  the  time  has  arrived  for  the  removal  of 
the  clamps.     Estimating  this  objection  at  its  proper 


50  ANIMAL   CASTEATION. 

value,  we  consider  that  it  is  more  than  balanced  by 
the  advantages  attendant  upon  this  special  mode  of 
castration,  and  while  we  fully  appreciate  the  difficulty 
and  inconvenience  to  which  the  surgeon  may  be  sub- 
jected by  this  second  visit,  we  cannot  approve  of  its 
omission,  either  from  a  surgical  point  of  view  or  in 
that  of  the  interests  of  the  employers,  in  whose  be- 
half all  care  and  responsibility  should  be  exercised, 
until  the  patient  is  at  least  enjoying  a  fair  prospect 
of  recovery. 

The  question  now  arises,  at  what  time  can  the 
clamp  be  removed  with  safety  ?  It  must  be  under- 
stood that  there  may  sometimes  be  peculiar  surgical 
conditions  under  which  their  removal  is  contra-indi- 
cated, and  when  they  must  be  allowed  to  slough  off 
without  further  interference  on  our  part.  But  even 
in  ordinary  cases  and  under  favorable  circumstances, 
this  time  appears  to  vary.  By  some  they  are  re- 
moved after  thirty-six  hours,  while  others  allow  them 
to  remain  for  a  period  of  four  or  five  days.  Taking 
a  fair  average,  we  are  of  opinion  that  it  may  be  safely 
done  on  about  the  third  day,  and  that  at  that  period 
the  closing  of  the  artery  is  sufficiently  assured  to  re- 
move all  further  pressure. 

If  the  clamps  have  been  secured  with  twine,  and 
especially  if  they  were  properly  prepared  previously 
to  their  application,  the  process  of  removal  is  a  very 
simple  one.  The  assistant,  raising  one  of  the  patient's 
hind  legs,  the  operator  places  himself  directly  be- 
hind the  animal,  and  bending  down,  with  a  sharp 
sage-knife,  cuts  the  twine  where  it  has  secured  the 


ANIMAL   CASTRATION.  51 

posterior  ends  of  the  clamp.  If  it  retains  tKe  springi- 
ness it  ought  to  have  possessed  at  the  time  of  its 
original  application,  the  branches  readily  spring 
open,  and  it  falls  to  the  ground.  If  this  does  not 
occur,  or  if  they  should  be  held  by  adhesions  with 
some  dried  parts  of  the  cords  which  have  been  press- 
ed between  the  branches  of  the  clamps,  they  must 
be  carefully  separated  by  moving  from  below  up- 
wards, when  they  will  easily  become  detached.  But 
this  last  manipulation  must  be  very  carefully  per- 
formed, if  w^e  would  escape  a  hemorrhage  which 
might  require  serious  measures  to  control.  When 
clamps  of  another  make  are  used,  the  process  of  re- 
moval will  vary  according  to  existing  peculiarities  in 
the  construction  of  the  instrument.  The  clamp  hav- 
ing been  removed  from  one  side,  the  separation  from 
the  other  will,  of  course,  be  managed  in  a  similar 
manner. 

THE    LIGATURE. 

This  method  of  castration  consists  in  the  applica- 
tion of  a  circular  ligature  upon  the  entire  cord,  or 
a  portion  of  it.  for  the  purpose  of  completely  clos- 
ing it,  with  the  various  parts  entering  into  its  forma- 
tion. It  was  in  practice  so  long  ago  as  1734.  The 
operation  is  divided  into  several  varieties, viz.,  that  of 
the  cord  with  its  envelopes ;  that  of  the  cord  only, 
either  by  the  covered  or  uncovered  method ;  that  of 
the  spermatic  artery  alone ;  that  of  the  efferent 
canal ;  and  that  by  the  subcutaneous  process. 

The  ligature  used  in  these  various  modes  of  opera- 


52  ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 

tion  is  formed  of  waxed  silk ;  sometimes  of  strong 
twine,  as  fishing  line,  for  example ;  or,  as  more 
recently  introduced  in  surgery  in  the  removal  of  liv- 
ing growths  and  tumors,  an  elastic  cord. 

Ligation  of  the  cord  and  its  envelopes. — This  process 
is  principally  used  upon  small  animals,  although, 
since  the  elastic  cord  has  been  brought  into  use,  a 
few  attempts  have  been  made  to  make  it  applicable 
to  the  larger  kinds.  The  experiments,  however^ 
have  been  as  yet  so  few,  and  the  results  so  unsatis- 
factory, and  in  so  many  cases  fatal,  that  it  can  scarcely 
be  recommended,  except  for  small  subjects.  The  ap- 
plication of  this  is  very  simple.  It  consists,  after 
securing  the  patient,  in  bringing  the  testicles  as  far 
down  into  the  scrotum  as  may  be  thought  needful, 
and  after  applying  the  ligature  two  or  three  times 
around  the  cord,  a  short  distance  above  them  (Fig. 
14),  slowly  and  steadily  tightening  it  until  a  suf- 
ficient amount  of  force  has  been  employed  to  close 
the  calibre  of  the  blood  vessel  and  cut  off  the  circu- 
lation from  the  parts  situated  below  the  point  of  li- 
gation. This  mode  of  operating  has,  in  our  hands, 
proved  very  successful  in  small  animals,  and  when 
the  elastic  ligature  has  been  used.  Mortification  has 
taken  place  in  a  few  days,  the  testicles  slowly  detach- 
ing themselves  at  the  point  of  ligature,  and  when 
falling  off  leaving  but  a  very  small  superficial,  cuta- 
neous scab,  and  healing  in  a  short  time. 

Ligature  of  the  cord  only  ;  covered  operation. — The 
first  three  steps  of  the  operation  having  been  accom- 
plished, and  the  testicle  enucleated,  the  ligature  is 


1   ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 


53 


placed  around  the  cord,  still  covered  by  its  fibrous 
envelopes  and  tlie  cremaster  muscle.  A  piece  of 
twine   or  an  elastic   ligature  may  be  employed  for 


Fig.   14. 


i/tnm.^* 


CASTRATION  BY  LIGATION  OF  THE  CORD   AND  ENVELOPES. 


54  ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 

this  purpose.  In  this  operation  the  testicles  are  al- 
lowed to  remain  not  less  than  twenty-four  hours,  be« 
fore  amputation  is  performed,  in  order  that  if  the 
pressure  has  been  insufficient,  and  the  parts  should 
fail  to  exhibit  symptoms  of  loss  of  vitality  after  that 
time,  another  ligature  may  be  applied. 

Uncovered  operation. — The  only  variation  between 
this  method  and  the  one  last  considered  is  found 
in  the  fact  that  in  this,  the  testicle  and  cord 
being  exposed  as  in  the  process  of  castration  with 
the  clamp,  the  ligature  is  applied  either  on  the  cord 
as  a  whole,  or  only  on  its  anterior  fasciculus.  In  this 
case  the  testicle  is  amputated  immediately  after  the 
application  of  the  ligature.  But  as  there  is  a  possi- 
bility of  the  slipping  off  of  the  ligature,  great  care 
must  be  taken  lest  the  amputation  be  performed  too 
near  the  point  where  the  constriction  is  made.  And 
again,  as  there  is  a  possibility  of  the  truncated  cord 
being  drawn  too  far  up,  even  up  into  the  abdominal 
cavity,  it  becomes  a  precaution  of  prudence,  as  rec- 
ommended by  Mr.  Bouley,  to  leave  a  sufficient  length 
of  the  ligature  hanging  outside  of  the  scrotal  wound, 
and  even  to  secure  it  on  the  edges  of  the  skin. 

Ligation  of  the  spermatic  artery, — This  is  a  mode  of 
castration  which,  if  we  are  not  mistaken,  was  held 
in  high  estimation  by  certain  practitioners  in  the 
city  of  Boston.  It  consists  simply  in  the  application 
of  a  ligature  of  silk  to  the  spermatic  artery.  The 
cord  being  exposed,  and  the  posterior  septum  being 
divided,  a  curved  needle  armed  with  the  ligature  is 
made  to  pass  around  the  whole  mass  of  the  anterior 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION.  55 

fasciculus,  and  the  entire  vascular  cord  is  surrounded 
by  the  ligature  and  firmly  tightened.  The  fact  of 
the  various  and  irregular  flexuosities  peculiar  to  the 
spermatic  artery,  with  both  ascending  and  descend- 
ing portions,  explains  the  necessity  of  including  the 
entire  arterial  mass  under  the  ligature,  since,  if  only 
the  simple  cord  of  the  artery  were  ligated,  it  might 
be  an  ascending  portion  only,  and  the  amputation  of 
the  testicle  might  be  followed  by  a  troublesome 
hemorrhage  from  one  of  the  descending  loops. 

Ligation  of  the  efferent  canal  and  the  subcutaneous  li- 
gation of  the  cord, — These  two  modes  of  operating 
have  not  yet  yielded  sufficient  evidence  in  the  form 
of  satisfactory  results  to  be  entitled  to  more  than 
passing  mention  at  the  -present  time.  We  may  say 
further,  moreover,  that  among  all  the  methods  of 
castration  by  ligation,  none  of  them  have  been  sub- 
jected to  a  sufficient  amount  of  practical  test  to  be 
accepted  as  a  process  which  will  justify  a  strong  rec- 
ommendation or  unqualified  approval. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

THIRD   METHOD   OF   CASTRATION — CRUSHING  OF  THE  TES- 
TICULAR  CORD — DOUBLE   SUBCUTANEOUS   TORSION 

BISTOURNAGE — FOUR  STEPS  OF  THE  OPERATION — 
SYMPTOMS  FOLLOWING — CASTRATION  OF  CRYPTOR-' 
CHIDS  —  INGUINAL  CRYPTORCHIDY  —  ABDOMINAL 
CRYPTORCHIDY — MODUS  OPERANDI — FIVE  STEPS  IN 
THE  OPERATION — EFFECPS  FOLLOWING  THE  OPERA- 
TION  OF     CASTRATION — MODE     OF     CICATRIZATION 

HYGIENIC   AND   SUBSEQUENT   ATTENTIONS    OR   AFTER 
CARES. 

As  I  liave  before  stated,  tlie  third  method  of  cas- 
tration embraces  the  processes  in  which  the  testicu- 
lar envelopes  are  left  intact,  while  it  is  the  gland  or 
cord  which  is  submitted  to  the  peculiar  manipula- 
tions by  which  their  structure,  and  therefore  the 
secreting  powers  of  the  testicle,  are  so  essentially 
modified.  In  treating  of  this  method,  two  special 
operations  present  themselves  for  our  consideration^ 
to  wit :  the  crushing  of  the  testicular  support,  and  the 
double  subcutaneous  twisting,  or  bistournage  of  the 
Prench.      These   are   employed   principally  in  the 

(56) 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION.  57 

castration  of  ruminants,  though  efforts  have  been 
made  to  apply  the  latter  in  the  case  of  solipeds. 
The  modes  of  operating  which  we  have  already  de- 
scribed are,  however,  also  applicable  to  the  rumi- 
nants. 

CRUSHING  OF  THE  TESTICULAR  CORD. 

This  consists  in  crushing  the  spermatic  cord  with 
a  hammer,  the  vessel  continuing,  meanwhile,  to  be 
covered  with  its  envelopes.  It  was  first  described 
in  the  year  1826,  and  is  most  commonly  practised  in 
some  French  districts.  The  instruments  used  are 
two  cylindrical  pieces  of  wood,  each  about  one  yard 
in  length  and  two  inches  in  diameter ;  and  a  hammer 
or  mallet  formed  of  hard  and  heavy  wood.  The  ani- 
mal being  properly  secured  in  the  standing  position,, 
the  testicles  being  drawn  Avell  down  into  the  bottom 
of  the  envelopes,  the  sticks  are  placed,  one  behind 
and  one  in  front  of  the  cord,  close  to  the  upper  ex- 
tremity of  the  gland.  "When  in  that  position  they 
are  moved  in  such  a  manner  that  instead  of  remain- 
ing, one  in  front  of  the  other,  one  becomes  so  super- 
imposed upon  the  other  that  the  spermatic  cord  be- 
comes twisted  in  the  form  of  the  letter  S  (Fig.  15). 
While  held  together  in  this  position  by  an  assistant, 
the  operator,  placing  himself  in  front  of  one  side  of 
the  hind  quarter,  with  repeated  blows  of  the  hammer 
or  mallet,  crushes  the  cord  at  the  point  where  it 
rests  upon  the  wood  which  occupies  the  inferior 
position,  of  course  guaging  the  force  and  frequency 
of  the  blows  by  the  effect  observed,  until  the  crush- 


58 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 


ing  of  the  organ  is  satisfactorily  accomplished.  As 
a  measure  of  caution,  it  will  be  well,  upon  the  com- 
pletion of  the  process  of  crushing,  to  surround  the 
cord  with  a  ligature  moderately  tightened,  in  order 
to  guard  against  the  drawing  up  of  the  cord  into  the 

Fig.    15. 


CASTRATION  BY  CRUSHING  OF  THE  CORD. 

inguinal  canal,  an  accident  not  likely  to  occur,  how- 
ever, if  the  operation  has  been  well  performed. 

DOUBLE   SUBCUTANEOUS   TORSION;   BISTOURNAGE. 

In  this  mode  of  operating,  principally  in  vogue  in  the 
southern  parts  of  France,  the  position  of  the  testicle 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION.  59 

is  SO  changed  that  its  lower  extremity  is  made  to 
take  the  place  of  the  upper,  the  cord  is  subjected  to 
a  certain  degree  of  torsion,  and  then  the  testicle  is 
restored  to  its  normal  position,  to  undergo  a  process 
of  atrophy  which  destroys  its  power  of  secretion  by 
a  physiological  action.  The  great  length  of  the  cord 
and  the  greater  laxity  of  the  cellular  tissue  situated 
between  the  dartos  and  the  fibrous  coat,  render  this 
operation  much  easier  in  the  ruminants  than  in  the 
solipeds.  Simple  in  its  manipulations,  although  still 
involving  a  certain  degree  of  dexterity,  and  followed 
by  comparatively  no  symptoms  of  reactive  fever, 
the  only  instrument  necessary  for  its  performance  is 
a  piece  of  cord,  twine,  or  rubber,  sufficiently  strong 
to  secure  the  testicular  envelopes  when  the  gland 
has  been  subjected  to  the  double  displacement,  and 
the  cord  to  the  torsion  it  has  undergone.  In  this 
operation,  no  special  preparation  being  demanded, 
the  animal  is  usually  treated  on  his  feet. 

The  late  Mr.  Serres,  of  the  veterinary  school  of 
Toulouse,  divides  the  operation  into  four  steps,  viz., 
first,  the  softening  of  the  bags  and  separation  of  the 
dartos  from  the  fibrous  tissue ;  second,  the  displace- 
ment (dislocation)  of  the  testicle ;  third,  the  torsion 
of  the  cord ;  dmd.  fourth,  the  pushing  up  of  the  testicles 
into  the  inguinal  region,  with  the  application  of  the 
ligature  to  keep  them  in  place. 

The  first  step  is  the  most  difficult  for  the  surgeon 
as  well  as  the  most  painful  to  the  horse,  though  the 
contrary  is  the  fact  where  the  subject  is  an  ox.  The 
operator,   stationing  himself    behind    the    animal. 


60  ANIMAL    CASTEATION. 

grasps  the  testicles  with  both  hands  (Fig.  16)  and 
quickly  draws  ihem  down  into  the  scrotum.     Hold- 

Fig.  16(A). 


DOUBLE  SUBCUTANEOUS  TORSION  IN  CATTLE. 

Softening  the  bags— first  position  of  the  hands. 

ing  them  there  with  the  right  hand,  with  the  left  he 
raises  the  scrotum  by  the  lower  part,  firmly  pulling 
upon  it  downwards  and  slightly  from  before  back- 
wards. The  testicles  are  then  moved  upward  and 
downward  in  the  sac,  carrying  with  them  the  fibrous 
covering.  During  this  time  a  peculiar  crackling 
sound  is  heard,  which  is  caused  by  the  tearing  apart 
of  the  fibres  of  the  cellular  tissue  lying  between  the 
dartos  and  the  fibrous  coat.  This  laceration  is  some- 
times difficult  to  effect,  especially  in  aged  animals,  in 
which  case  the  up  and  down  motion  of  the  testicles 
will  require  a  greater  number  of  repetitions  before 
the  adhesions  are  torn. 


ANIMAL  CASTRATION.  61 

The  second  step  consists  in  the  displacement  or 
dislocation  of  the  testicle,  which  is  accomplished  in 

Fig.  16  (B). 


DOUBLE  SUBCUTANEOUS  TOKSION  IN   CATTLE. 

Softening  of  the  bags — second  i)Osition  of  the  hands. 

the  manner  following:  The  testicles  being  pushed 
well  upwards  in  the  vaginal  sac,  one  of  them,  the 
left,  for  example,  is  drawn  well  downwards  with  the 
left  hand,  which  grasps  the  cord  above  the  epididymis 


62  ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 

(Fig.  17),  the  thumb  resting  on  the  back  of  the  cord, 
and  the  remaining  fingers  in  front  of  it,  while  the 
right  hand,  placed  in  pronation,  pinches  the  inferior 

Fig.  17. 


DOUBLE  SUBCUTANEOUS  TORSION   IN   CATTLE. 

Position  of  the  left  hand  at  the  beginning  of  the  second  step. 

part  of  the  scrotum.  Maintaining  these  dispositions, 
the  testicles  are  displaced  by  the  simultaneous  action 
of  both  hands,  the  left  pushing  the  cord  from  above 
downwards  and  from  before  backwards,  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  depress  as  much  as  possible  the  supe- 
rior extremity  of  the  gland,  while  with  the  fingers  of 
the  right  hand,  resting  by  their  dorsal  face  against 
the  posterior  part  of  the  testicle  (Fig.  18),  the  inferior 
extremity  of  that  organ  is  pushed  upwards.  With- 
out losing  hold  of  the  envelope,  the  movement  of  this 
hand  gives  way  to  these  opposite  and  simultaneous 
pressures,  that  of  the  left  hand  tending  to  lower  the 


ANIMAL  CASTRATION. 


63 


head  of  the  testicle,  and  that  of  the  right  elevating 
its  tail,  and  the  gland  is  being  flexed  upon  the  cord 
from  which  it  is  suspended,  backwards  and  upwards. 
A.t  the  moment  when  the  testicle  forms  an  acute 
u.ngle  with  the  cord,  the  thumb  of  the  left  hand,  rest- 

Fig.  18. 


DOUBLE  SUBCUTANEOUS  TORSION  IN   CATTLE. 

Second  step. 

ing  upon  the  cord,  comes  into  action  to  aid  in  the 
displacement  by  making  a  point  cV  appui  upon  the 
inferior  extremity  of  the  organ,  which  now  occupies 
the  superior  position,  in  such  a  manner  that  the 
spermatic  gland  is  placed  parallel  with  the  cord. 
The  manipulations  are  completed  by  pushing  the 
testicles  upwards  towards  the  inguinal  ring,  to  break 


C4  ANIMAL   CASTRATION. 

up  whatever  adhesions  of  cellular  tissue  may  re- 
main. This  second  step  of  the  operation  being  com- 
pleted, the  two  organs  are  found  to  be  so  placed  that 
they  are  parallel  one  with  the  other,  the  testicle  be- 
ing posterior  to  the  cord. 

The  third  step,  or  that  of  the  torsion  of  the  cord, 
now  presents  itself  to  our  notice.     To  effect  this,  the 

FiG.  19. 


DOUBIiE  SUBCUTANEOUS  TORSION   IN   CATTLE. 

Third  step.     Position  of  the  hands  when  th'^  torsion  is  about 
being  made. 

testicle  must  be  firmly  held  at  the  bottom  of  the  en- 
velopes (Fig.  19),  the  left  hand  placed  forward  upon 
the  cord,  and  the  right  behind  and  upon  the  testicle. 
The  operator  then  gives  to  the  organ  a  twist  with 


ANIMAL   CASTRATION. 


65 


the  right  hand  by  a  motion  of  rotation  from  left  to 
right  and  from  without  .inwards,  while  with  the  other 
he  draws  upon  the  cord  in  the  opposite  direction. 
The  result  of  this  manipulation  is  to  give  to  the 
gland  half  a  turn  around  the  cord  (Fig.  20),  which 

Fig.   20. 


DOUBLE  SUBCUTANEOUS  TORSION  IN   CATTLE. 

Third  step.     Position  of  the  hands  during  the  torsion. 

thus  becomes  displaced  and  takes  a  posterior  position. 
By  a  change  in  the  action  of  the  hands,  but  a  repeti- 
tion of  the  same  movement,  the  right  hand  now  act- 
ing on  the  cord,  while  the  left  is  applied  to  the  tes- 
ticle, the  remaining  portion  of  the  motion  of  rotation 
is  performed,  and  a  complete  torsion  of  the  spermatic 
support  accomplished.  By  repeating  this  action,  of 
course  as  many  turns  of  the  cord  as  may  be  thought 


66  ANIMAL  CASTRATION. 

necessary,  can  be  secured,  two,  however,  being  gen- 
erally found  sufficient,  although,  in  a  few  instances 
as  many  as  four  or  five  may  be  required — never  more 
than  that.  The  length  of  the  cord  is  the  principal 
controlling  circumstance.  When  these  several  steps 
have  been  completed  with  one  testicle,  their  repeti- 
tion is,  of  course,  in  order  with  the  other.  And 
when  both  have  been  treated,  the  consummation 
of  the  operation  is  called  for  by  entering  upon  the 
fourth  step,  or  that  of  the  application  of  the 
ligature. 

To  accomplish  this  both  testicles  are  firmly  seized 

Fig.  21. 


DOUBLE  SITBCUTANEOITS  TOBSION  IN   CATTLE. 

Position  of  the  testicles  and  ligature  en  masse  of  the  bags 
when  the  operation  is  finished. 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION.  67 

with  both  hands,  and  pressed  upwards  as  far  as  pos- 
sible against  the  inguinal  ring  (Fig.  21).  Ibis  neces- 
sary to  be  very  careful  to  ascertain  that  they  rest  on 
the  same  level,  in  order  to  be  secure  against  the 
possibility  of  untwisting.  The  ligature  is.  then  ap- 
plied by  passing  three  or  four  turns  of  it  around  the 
scrotal  envelopes,  immediately  below  the  testicles, 
with  not  more  than  a  sufficient  degree  of  tightness 
to  assure  it  against  slipping  off. 

The  symptoms  which  succeed  the  operation  are  not 
commonly  of  a  very  serious  nature,  and  subside 
within  a  period  of  time  varying  from  two  to  six 
hours.  Following  the  operation  an  inflammatory 
swelling  takes  place  in  the  bags,  and  after  one  or 
two  days  assumes  large  dimensions.  The  ligature 
can  now  be  removed,  and  the  animal  left  to  himself, 
without  further  treatment,  the  testicles  undergoing 
a  slow  process  of  atrophy  readily  recognized  by  their 
appearance  and  the  position  they  always  thereafter 
occupy  in  the  vaginal  sac. 

CASTRATION  OF  CRIPTOECHIDS. 

The  abnormal  development  of  animals  in  which 
the  testicles  have  failed  to  make  their  appearance 
by  descending  through  the  inguinal  canal  into  the 
bags,  is  quite  commonly  met  with  in  solipeds,  the 
animal  being  then  known  by  the  designation  of 
ridglings  or  originals.  The  position  assumed  by  the 
organ  in  relation  to  its  normal  situation  being  so 
altered  that  it  may  be  found  either  partly  engaged 


68  ANIMAL   CASTRATION. 

in  the  inguinal  canal  (Fig.  22),  or  only  remaining 
close  to  its  superior  opening  (Fig.  23),  is  one  of  these 
inequalities,  constituting  what  is  called  inguinal 
criptorchidy ;  another  being  when  it  remains  float- 
ing in  or  adherent  to  some  parts  6i  the  abdominal 
cavity — a  condition  known  as  abdominal  criptorchidy 
(Fig.  24).  As  this  condition  has  usually  a  peculiar 
effect  on  the  temper  of  the  animal  so  affected,  often 
rendering  him  unfit  for  general  use,  it  necessitates, 
on  that  account,  the  act  of  castration,  with  some 
changes  in  the  manipulations  described  for  the  ope- 
ration upon  animals  exempt  from  such  an  infirmity. 
In  these  cases  the  operation  presents  more  difficul- 
ties, and  is  of  a  more  serious  character  than  the 
former,  demanding  on  the  part  of  the  operator  all 
the  skill  and  knowledge  which  can  be  acquired  from 
its  frequent  performance  and  extensive  study.  That 
the  operation  is  one  which  is  largely  performed  on 
the  Continent  there  is  no  doubt,  and  many  European 
operators  have  made  for  themselves  an  extensive 
reputation  in  connection  with  it.  Among  these  the 
name  of  Professor  Degives,  of  the  Brussels  school, 
merits  mention. 

But  there  is  probably,  on  this  Continent  at  least, 
no  better  accredited  authority,  in  this  branch  of 
surgery,  than  a  gentleman,  a  layman,  of  Illinois, 
known  very  widely  as  Farmer  Miles,  who  has  for 
many  years  not  only  sustained  an  eminent  repute  in 
his  specialty  as  a  gelder,  but  I  believe,  has  devoted 
a  large  share  of  study  specially  to  the  castration  of 
ridglings.     He  has  not  only  traversed  large  portions 


Fig.  22. 
testicle  engaged  in  the  inguinal  ring. 


B  —Testicle.    C — Gubemaculum  testis.     D— Inguinal  ring, 

(69). 


Fig.  23. 


TESTICLE  CLOSE  TO  THE  RING. 

C — Internal  portion  of  the  gubernaculum  testis. 
C — Its  external  portion. 
B— Testicle. 
D—lnguiual  ring. 

(71) 


Fig.  24. 


TESTICLE   FLOATING  IN  THE  ABDOMEN. 

A~ Peritoneal  ligament  attached  to  the  lumbar  region. 

B— Testicle. 

C — Gubernaculum  testis. 

D — Inguinal  ring. 

(73)  •      -..    '^'' 


ANIMAL   CASTRATION.  75 

of  the  United  States  in  the  practice  of  this  interest- 
ing branch  of  veterinary  surgery,  but  has  likewise 
achieved  much  renown  and  appreciative  criticism 
from  foreign  sources,  having  travelled  extensively 
in  various  European  countries,  and  earned  much 
honor  from  those  who  have  watched  his  methods, 
and  received  ocular  proof  of  his  dexterity  and  suc- 
cess within  the  sphere  of  his  special  field  of  usefulness. 

The  method  of  procedure,  which  has  in  his  hands 
proved  so  exceptionally  successful,  though  no 
doubt  essentially  original  with  him,  is  still,  we  be- 
lieve, based  upon  the  same  principles  which  govern 
the  operation  as  we  find  it  described  and  illustrated 
in  the  works  of  the  classical  writers  who  have  given 
their  attention  to  the  subject. 

We  now  turn  to  the  consideration  of  the  modus 
operandi,  as  observed  in  the  two  forme  of  cryptor- 
chidy,  the  inguinal  and  the  abdominal. 

INGUINAL    CRYPTORCHIDY. 

The  preliminary  steps  in  this  case  are  the  same 
as  those  which  are  necessary  in  the  castration  of 
animals  under  normal  conditions.  The  instruments 
required  are  a  convex  bistoury,  one  or  two  clamps, 
or  a  ligature,  and  an  actual  cautery,  or  the  ecraseur 
most  commonly  in  use.  To  these  is  sometimes 
added  a  pair  of  long  forceps  of  peculiar  construction, 
with  jaws  terminating  in  two  spoon-shaped  extremi- 
ties, designed  to  grasp  the  testicle  when  placed  high  in 
the  inguinal  canal,  or  if  only  partly  engaged  in  the  ring. 
Prof.  Degives  divides  the  operation  into  five  steps. 


76  ANIMAL   CASTRATION. 

First;  the  incision  of  the  scrotum  and  the  dartos. — 
The  operator,  with  or  without  the  aid  of  an  assist- 
ant, makes  a  straight  longitudinal  incision  upon  the 
scrotum  at  the  place  where  the  testicle  is  nominally 
situated,  carefully  dividing,  also,  the  yellow  fibrous 
layer  which  represents  the  dartos,  being  especially 
careful  at  this  point  to  avoid  the  large  venous 
branches  which  abound  in  the  region  involved.  A 
sort  of  hooked  bistoury  is,  we  understand,  preferred 
by  some  veterinarians  for  this  incision,  on  the  score 
of  the  additional  safety  secured  by  the  use  of  an 
instrument  of  that  form. 

Secortd  step  ;  exposure  of  the  external  inguinal  ring, 
— To  accomplish  this  the  loose  cellular  tissue  which 
lies  under  the  dartos  is  torn  and  divided  by  the 
fingers  until  the  ring  is  felt.     The 

Third  step  is  the  dissection  of  the  vaginal  sheath. — 
The  sheath  being  situated  at  varying  depths,  the 
dissection  is  effected  by  carefully  introducing  the 
hand  into  the  inguinal  canal,  and  separating  it  as 
much  as  possible  by  passing  the  fingers  around  its 
external  surface. 

Fourth  step ;  opening  the  sheath. — The  opening  is 
made  lengthwise,  and  of  sufficient  width  to  allow  of 
the  passage  of  the  testicle.  When  this  organ  is  sit- 
uated high  up  in  the  ring,  it  is  frequently  difiicult  to 
grasp  it  and  keep  it  sufficiently  steady  in  position  to 
permit  the  free  use  of  the  bistoury.  The  sheath 
being  opened  and  all  the  testicular  envelopes  divided, 
we  complete  the  operation  by  perfecting  the 

Fifth  sto^e,  or  the  removal  of  the  testicle. — There  are 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION.  77 

two  ways  of  accomplishing  this,  viz. :  the  direct  and 
the  indirect  division  of  the  cord.  In  the  former 
case  the  amputation  is  effected  either  by  the  process 
of  cauterization,  by  limited  torsion,  or  with  the 
ecraseur.  In  the  latter  the  testicle  is  removed 
either  by  a  ligature  or  by  the  process  of  the  clamps. 
The  process  by  the  ecraseur  is  at  once  that  which  is 
most  generally  preferred  and  the  easiest  of  applica- 
tion. 

ABDOMINAL    CRYPTORCHIDY. 

In  this  severe  form  of  the  trouble  under  considera- 
tion, the  various  steps  of  the  operation  demand 
careful  study.  Indeed,  so  common,  so  serious,  and 
so  frequently  fatal  are  the  complications  which  the 
surgeon  may  expect  to  encounter,  that  many  opera- 
tors habitually  discourage  the  interference  with  this 
peculiar  violation  of  normal  conditions. 

The  first  two  steps  of  the  operation  are  similar  to 
those  which  belong  to  castration  in  inguinal  crypt- 
orchidy.     Following  on  we  have  for  the 

Third  step,  the  perforation  of  the  inguinal  canal,  or 
the  establishment,  by  the  operator,  of  an  artificial 
communication  from  without,  with  the  abdominal 
cavity  within.  To  effect  this  the  surgeon  introduces 
his  hand,  with  the  fingers  united  in  the  form  of  a 
cone,  into  the  external  inguinal  ring,  and  carefully 
forces  them  upward  towards  the  external  angle  of 
the  ilium,  resting  them  upon  the  crural  arch.  He 
soon  reaches  the  closed  superior  inguinal  ring,  feel- 
ing only  the  peritoneal  membrane,  where  it  is  readily 


78  ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 

torn.  Then  tearing  it  sufficiently  to  permit  the  pas- 
sage of  the  entire  hand,  or  as  large  a  portion  of  it  as 
is  necessary,  he  has  reached  the . 

Fourth  step,  or  the  seizure  and  removal  of  the  testicle. 
— The  hand,  or  three  fingers,  are  then  passed  into 
the  abdominal  cavity,  in  order  to  feel  for  the  organ 
or  its  appendages,  until  the  location  is  determined, 
whether  of  testicle,  epididymis,  vas  deferens,  or 
blood  vessels.  These  are  usually  found  floating 
not  far  from  the  torn  opening  of  the  peritoneum. 
But  if  not  so  readily  discovered,  the  hand 
must  be  carried  above  the  neck  of  the  bladder, 
towards  the  end  of  the  deferent  canal,  which  must  be 
followed  until  the  epididymis  or  testicle  is  found. 
It  is  then  carefully  brought  outwards  by  a  slow  and 
steady  traction  upon  the  testicle  itself,  or  upon  a 
portion  of  the  epididymis,  or  even  upon  the  extremity 
of  some  of  the  testicular  blood  vessels. 

Fifth  step, — The  removal  of  the  organ  is  always 
much  more  safely  effected  with  the  ecraseur  than  by 
other  means.  The  operation  is  completed  by  the 
application  of  a  suture  upon  the  external  wound,  in 
order  to  guard  effectually  against  the  possibility  of 
ventral  hernia  occurring  subsequently. 

Abdominal  cryptorchids  are  sometimes  treated  by 
removal  through  the  flank — an  operation  intrinsically 
more  dangerous,  as  well  as  less  promising  of  success 
than  that  in  the  inguinal  region. 

EFFECTS   FOLLOWING  THE   OPERATION   OF   CASTRATION. 

These  will  vary  more  or  less  in  extent  and  severity. 


Al^IMAL    CASTRATION.  79 

according  to  the  method  employed  in  its  performance, 
and  in  any  ease  they  may  be  considered  in  two  divi- 
sions ;  as  primary  or  immediate,  and  secondary  or 
consecutive. 

Amongst  the  first  phenomena  most  commonly  ob- 
served is,  of  course,  a  manifestation  of  pain,  character- 
ized by  symptoms  of  colic,  exhibited  by  the  animal 
in  a  more  or  less  marked  degree,  being  the  result  of  the 
unavoidable  irritation  arising  from  the  manipula- 
tions practised  upon  the  organs  of  generation,  whose 
nerves  rise  from  the  sympathetic  as  well  as  from  the 
cerebro-splnal  nervous  system ;  and  from  the  pain 
excited  in  the  spermatic  cord  by  the  pressure  of  the 
clamps,  for  example.  These  colicky  pains,  which  are 
more  severe  under  the  bloodless  method  than  in 
those  of  the  other  mode,  usually  subside  after  the 
first  hour  following  the  operation,  and  as  a  rule  re- 
quire but  little  treatment  more  than  that  of  the 
walking  exercise.  This  sort  of  pain  having  subsided, 
the  only  further  trouble  likely  to  be  noticed  is  the 
local  trouble  resulting  from  the  lesion  to  w^hich  the 
testicular  region  has  been  subjected.  Resulting  from 
this  local  lesion,  as  well  as  from  the  rough  manipula- 
tions attending  the  various  steps  of  the  different  pro- 
cedures, a  peculiar  stiffness  will  be  observed  in  the 
motion  of  the  animal.  This  may  be  referred  either 
to  the  local  pain  proper,  to  the  dragging  to  which 
the  cord  has  been  subjected,  or  to  the  presence  of 
the  clamps,  which,  resting  closely  in  the  groin,  nec- 
essarily more  or  less  impede  the  action  of  locomo- 
tion. 


80  .      ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 

Hemorrhage  may  also  occur  immediately  after  the 
operation,  either  while  the  patient  is  still  on  the 
ground  or  as  soon  as  he  regains  his  feet.  This  may 
be  due  either  to  the  solution  of  continuity  at  the 
edges  of  the  wound  of  the  envelopes,  or  may  proceed 
from  the  small  testicular  or  the  spermatic  artery. 
The  first  two  causes  of  hemorrhage  need  not  engage 
our  attention,  usually  ceasing  spontaneously,  and 
never  being  attended  with  serious  inconvenience. 
It  is  not  so,  however,  in  the  case  of  hemorrhage  pro- 
ceeding from  the  spermatic  blood  vessel  proper,  oc- 
curring after  those  methods  of  operating  which  dis- 
pense with  the  closing  of  the  artery  by  artificial 
appliances,  as  is  done  with  the  clamp  or  the  ligature, 
or  which  may  be  observed  in  castration  by  torsion, 
cauterization,  the  use  of  the  ecraseur,  or  especially 
by  the  process  of  simple  excision.  Though  not  nec- 
essarily fatal,  the  hemorrhage  in  these  instances  may 
require  prompt  and  effectual  interference  by  the  sur- 
geon for  its  suppression. 

It  is  not  rare  for  castrated  animals  to  become  more 
or  less  tympanitic,  a  condition  which  may  be  due, 
more  or  less,  to  the  introduction  of  atmospheric  air 
into  the  abdominal  cavity  during  the  performance  of 
the  operation.  This  condition  of  things  is  usually 
remedied  by  the  unaided  action  of  natural  causes. 

The  secondary  effects  also  vary  according  to  the 
manipulations  of  the  method  which  they  follow. 
The  development  of  reactive  fever  is  an  event  which 
in  many  cases  requires  close  watching,  and  while  it  is 
true  that  many  castrated  horses  will  manifest  no  sub- 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION.  81 

sequent  illness,  even  to  the  extent  of  a  slight  elevation 
of  temperature,  others,  on  the  contrary,  show  unmis- 
takable signs  of  a  general  inflammatory  condition 
and  this  is  the  more  marked  and  definite  as  the  con- 
dition of  the  wound  has  been  left  in  a  more  or  less 
complicated  state.  The  presence  of  the  ligature  or  of 
a  portion  of  the  cord  which  has  yet  to  complete  the 
sloughing  action,  following  the  method  by  cauteriza- 
tion and  by  the  clamps,  are  sufficient  to  encourage 
the  inflammatory  tendency. 

MODES   OF   CICATRIZATION. 

The  cicatrization  of  the  wound  of  castration  takes 
place  in  two  ways.  AVhile  the  upper  part  heals  by 
adhesive  inflammation  at  and  above  the  point  where 
the  amputation  has  been  performed,  it  is  below  that 
point  in  a  process  of  cicatrization  by  the  second  in- 
tention, the  parts  filling  up  by  the  development  of 
granulations,  and  being  accused  by  an  abundant 
suppurative  process.  The  first  fact  observed  is  that 
the  parts  become  more  or  less  swollen.  The  swell- 
ing is  at  first  limited  to  the  edges  of  the  wound,  but 
increases  and  spreads  to  the  scrotum,  then  to  the 
sheath,  or  even  extends  forwards  and  backwards  to 
the  perineal  region.  A  flow  of  serosity  will  be  ob- 
served almost  immediately  following  the  operation, 
at  first  thin  and  yellowish,  but  will,  before  the  second 
or  third  day,  become  thicker  and  more  purulent  in 
character,  so  progressing  that  after  that  period  it 
will  become  a  laudable,  creamy  pus,  in  evidence  of 
the  process  going  forward  towards  the  establishment 


82  ANIMAL   CASTRAHQN. 

of  sound  and  healthy  cicatrization.  This  cicatriza- 
tion will  proceed  until  the  healing  is  complete — that 
is,  for  a  period  varying  between  thirty  and  forty 
days — the  swelling  slowly  subsiding  from  the  moment 
when  the  suppuration  becomes  established. 

THE   HYGIENE   AND   THE   SUBSEQUENT  ATTENTION. 

The  moment  the  patient  has  risen  from  his  bed 
and  has  been  thoroughly  cleansed  from  the  blood 
that  has  soiled  his  legs,  it  becomes  necessary,  if  the 
clamps  have  been  used,  to  apply  the  necessary 
means  to  prevent  their  removal  by  the  action  of  the 
tail.  This  is  done  by  braiding  the  hairs  shortly, 
and  sometimes  tying  it  up  on  the  side.  Even  when 
this  is  not  necessary,  from  the  clamps  not  having 
been  used,  it  is  better  to  have  the  tail  tightened  up 
short,  in  order,  when  the  suppurative  process  is  es- 
tablished, the  more  easily  to  preserve  the  cleanliness 
of  that  part  of  the  body.  It  is  recommended  by 
some  veterinarians,  also,  as  soon  as  the  animal  is  on 
his  feet,  to  have  him  thoroughly  rubbed  and  dried, 
lest,  as  is  not  uncommon,  he  should  have  perspired 
excessively  during  the  operation.  He  may  be 
warmly  blanketed  if  he  has  been  accustomed  to  a 
covering,  or  in  any  case,  placed  in  a  quiet  stall  and 
tied  up.  If  quiet  and  unexcited,  and  exhibiting  no 
immediate  ill  consequences  of  the  operation,  he  may, 
after  an  interval,  be  allowed  to  go  loose  in  a  box 
stall.  If  there  are  any  manifestations  of  pain,  or 
colicky  symptoms,  walking  exercise  may  be  given. 
Quietness,  protection  from  changes  of  the  weathei;, 


ANIMAL  CASTRATION.  83 

moderate  diet,  yaryiiig  according  to  his  condition, 
are  included  in  the  only  general  instructions  that  can 
be  given. 

The  wound  simply  requires  to  be  kept  clean. 
Washing  with  cool  water  and  soap  when  the  dis- 
charge is  well  established,  will  fulfil  this  indication. 
The  closing  of  the  edges  of  the  wound  is  to  be  care- 
fully prevented  by  the  introduction  of  the  finger  be- 
tween them,  care  being  taken  to  avoid  the  laceration 
of  any  points  where  union  has  already  taken  place 
in  the  upper  part  of  the  wound. 

It  is  not  an  unusual  thing  to  find  even  these  sim- 
ple measures  of  caution  overlooked  by  gelders,  some 
of  them  even  recommending  that  the  animal  should, 
immediately  after  the  operation,  be  violently  exer- 
cised— even  put  in  harness  and  made  to  draw  a 
wagon.  It  is  true  that  a  little  and  gentle  exercise 
may  be  beneficial,  with  a  view  to  the  removal  of  the 
soreness  and  pain  of  the  newly  castrated  animal ;  it 
must  be  admitted  even  that  Professor  Bouley  recom- 
mends slow  exercise  to  be  carried  to  the  extent  of 
fatiguing  the  animal.  But  when  we  take  into  con- 
sideration how  seriously  some  animals,  at  least,  are 
affected  by  the  operation,  and  the  serious  complica- 
tions which  may  follow  it — even  laying  aside  the  hu- 
manitarian view  of  the  question — we  must  neces- 
sarily conclude  that  such  directions  and  such  a 
practice  is  in  violation  of  all  the  laws  of  true  surgery, 
and  even  if  justified  by  the  strongest  statistics,  ia^ 
condemned  if  confronted  by  a  single  fatal  case. 


CHAPTEE  V. 

COMPLICATIONS  AND  TREATMENT  OF  THE  OPERATION — 
COLICS — TEARING  OF  THE  CLAMPS — HEMORRHAGE 
— SWELLING  OF  THE  SCROTAL  REGION — GANGRENE 
—  ABSCESSES  —  CHAMPIGNON  —  EXTRA  SCROTAL  — 
INTRA  SCROTAL  —  INTRA  ABDOMINAL  —  VARIOUS 
TREATMENTS — FISTULA  OF  THE  SCROTUM — INGUINAL 
HERNIA— PERITONITIS — TETANUS — AMAUROSIS— COM- 
PARATIVE VIEW  OF  THE  VARIOUS  MODES  OF  CASTRA- 
TION. 

COMPLICATIONS   AND   THEIR   TREATMENT. 

Though  the  operation  of  castration  is  compara- 
tively simple  in  its  various  methods  and  is  generally 
successful  in  its  results,  still  it  is  not  entirely  free 
from  accidents  or  complications.  Indeed,  among 
those  likely  to  meet  our  notice,  there  are  some  of 
quite  a  serious  character,  which  will  develop  them- 
selves independently  of  the  skill  and  care  with  which 
the  operation  may  have  been  performed  or  whatso- 

(84^ 


ANIMAL   CASTRATION.  85 

ever  attention  may  have  been  bestowed  upon  the 
patient.  Among  these  may  be  enumerated  colics y 
hemorrhage,  sivelling  of  the  scrotum,  gangrene,  abscesses, 
champignon,  fistula,  hernia,  peritonitis,  tetanies,  and 
amaurosis. 

COLICS. 

This,  we  have  already  seen,  usually  appears  a 
short  time  after  the  completion  of  the  operation, 
the  suffering  animal  becoming  uneasy,  restless  in 
his  stall,  pawing  the  ground  with  his  fore  feet,  and 
sometimes  lying  down  and  rolling.  As  I  have  be- 
fore stated,  these  symptoms,  as  a  rule,  are  of  short 
duration,  and  subside  without  other  treatment  than 
a  little  walking  exercise.  It  is  rarely  the  case  that 
they  fail  to  yield  to  an  anodyne,  or  a  dose  of  chloral 
may  be  demanded  before  the  symptoms  are  subdued. 

TEARING   OF   THE    CLAMPS. 

When  this  accident  occurs  it  is  commonly  at- 
tributable to  the  omission  of  a  careless  operator 
to  secure  the  tail  of  the  animal  in  such  a  man- 
ner as  to  prevent  its  interference  with  those  im- 
pliments  by  its  entanglement,  and  tearing  them 
from  the  end  of  the  cord,  as  a  consequence.  The 
result  of  this  is  the  appearance  of  a  hemorrhage  from 
the  spermatic  artery,  which  can  only  be  controlled 
by  either  a  reapplication  of  the  clamps  to  the  end  of 
the  cord — if  it  can  be  thus  secured — or  by  other 
means,  which  will  be  considered  when  we  reach  the 


86  ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 

subject   of  bleeding  in  general  as  connected  with 
other  causes. 

HEMORRHAGE 

May  be  primary  or  secondary.  In  the  first  in- 
stance it  occurs  in  consequence  of  the  insufficiency 
of  the  means  of  hemostasis  applied  to  the  end 
of  the  cord,  as  in  the  case  of  the  operation  by 
simple  excision,  by  cauterization,  the  too  rapid  crush- 
ing of  the  cord,  torsion,  or  the  accident  before  re- 
ferred to — when  the  clamps  have  been  torn  off  and 
the  cord  lacerated  about  the  point  of  their  applica- 
tion. 

Secondary  hemorrhage  manifests  itself  after  a 
longer  interval  following  the  operation.  It  may 
occur,  for  example,  after  the  removal  of  the  clamps, 
or  when,  during  their  removal,  the  mortified  end  of 
the  cord  is  too  much  interfered  with  by  the  sharp 
end  of  the  instrument  used  in  cutting  the  string 
which  confines  them  together^  or  from  too  forcibly 
pulling  upon  the  cord  itself ;  and  in  some  instances 
without  any  assignable  cause  other  than  a  diseased 
condition  of  the  coats  of  the  artery.  This  secondary 
hemorrhage  is  usually,  by  reason  of  the  inflamma- 
tory condition  of  the  blood  vessels,  of  more  threaten- 
ing aspect  and  more  difficult  to  control  than  the 
primary  variety.  The  treatment  indicated  varies. 
When  caused  by  the  tearing  of  the  clamps,  or  at  the 
time  of  their  removal,  it  may  be  checked  by  the  re- 
application  of  the  instrument.  But  if  the  cord 
is  retracted  within  the  inguinal  canal  and  .cannot  be 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION.  87 

reached,  and  if  it  is  already  adherent  to  the  surround- 
ing tissues,  by  granulations  recently  formed,  the 
checking  of  the  flow  may  be  very  difficult.  In  many 
cases  the  application  of  cold  water,  either  in  the 
shape  of  the  cold  douche  over  the  part,  or  iced 
sponges,  may  prove  sufficient.  But  in  other  cases 
the  cavity  of  the  wound  must  be  packed  with  balls 
of  oakum,  wet  either  with  water  alone  or  any  styptic 
agent,  such  as  a  solution  of  perchloride  of  iron,  the 
whole  being  kept  in  place  by  a  suspensory  bandage, 
or  if  necessary,  a  few  points  of  suture. 

These  measures  may  be  put  in  practice  while  the 
animal  is  on  his  feet ;  but  if  they  fail  in  their  effect, 
the  surgeon  must  at  once  proceed  to  cast  his  patient 
and  ligate  the  artery — an  operation  of  delicate  exe- 
cution, and  not  always  easy  to  perform,  by  reason  of 
the  deep  seated  position  of  the  vessel.  The  use  of 
the  actual  cautery  has  also  been  recommended,  but 
even  when  successful  there  are  many  objections  to 
this,  one  of  which  is  the  complication  such  an  opera- 
tion may  bring  on  by  the  introduction  into  the  wound 
of  a  scab  which  must  necessitate  for  its  expulsion  a 
serious  amount  of  inflammatory  action.  As  a  rule, 
however,  the  operation  of  packing  is  all  that  is  re- 
quired, the  oakum  being  left  undisturbed  for  twenty- 
four  or  even  thirty-six  hours.  Its  removal  must  be 
undertaken  with  great  caution. 

SWELLING   OF  THE   SCROTAL  REGION. 

This,  as  we  have  seen,  is  an  almost  necessary 
consequence  of  the  operation,  the  swelling  making 


88  ANIMAL   CASTRATION. 

its  appearance  a  short  time  after  the  alteration  is 
accomplished.  It  usually  first  affects  the  parts 
immediately  around  the  edges  of  the  wound, 
and  spreads  forwards  and  upwards  in  such  a 
manner  that  the  entire  scrotum  and  sheath  be- 
come the  seat  of  it.  It  is  somewhat  warm,  tense, 
and  slightly  painful.  If  there  is  no  increase  beyond 
these  limits,  there  is  no  occasion  for  alarm,  as  by 
exercise,  fomentations,  and  scarifications,  with  the 
administration  of  diuretics,  it  ordinarily  subsides. 
But  if  it  continues  to  increase,  and  extends  upwards 
and  backwards,  involving  the  inside  of  the  thighs 
and  the  perineum,  loses  its  character  of  heat  and 
soreness,  to  become  cold  and  painless,  crepitating 
under  pressure,  we  must  prepare  to  encounter  the 
most  severe  of  all  complications,  that  of  gangrene, 
requiring  the  most  prompt  and  vigorous  treatment, 
as  we  shall  presently  see.  It  may  also  happen  that 
even  while  retaining  the  characteristcs  of  healthy 
oedema,  it  may  assume  such  dimensions  that  the 
penis  becomes  so  involved  that  phymosis  and  para- 
phymosis  may  supervene^  to  add  to  the  other  com- 
plications. These,  however,  are  not  serious  sequelae, 
as  by  proper  care,  with  fomentations  or  scarifica- 
tions, and  the  use  of  a  suspensory  bandage,  they 
may  be  readily  overcome. 

GANGRENE. 

This  accident  may  be  looked  for  from  the 
fourth  to  the  eighth  day,  manifesting  itself  not 
only  by  the  extent  which  the  oedema  of  the  scrotal 


ANIMAL   CASTRATION.  89 

region  assumes,  and  by  its  characteristics  of  cold- 
ness, loss  of  sensibilit}^  and  crepitant  feeling,  but 
by  the  foetid  odor  proceeding  from  the  wound,  and 
by  a  change  in  the  character,  or  the  disappearance 
of  the  suppuration,  which  is  succeeded  by  a  sanious, 
bloody  and  offensive  discharge.  To  this  series  of 
symptoms  are  to  be  added  a  marked  increase  of  the 
general  disturbance,  manifested  by  increased  thirst, 
anorexia,  foetid  mouth,  change  of  color  in  the  mucous 
membrane  to  a  livid  hue,  increase  of  pulse,  with 
weakening,  increased  respiration,  temperature  at  first 
elevated  and  then  diminished,  and  after  five  or  six 
days  a  final  termination  in  the  death  of  the  patient. 
The  progress  of  this  complication  is  so  rapid,  and 
the  chances  of  recovery  are  so  few,  that  the  necessity 
for  prompt  treatment  becomes  at  once  obvious.  All 
the  diseased  and  mortified  parts  must  be  removed  at 
onqe,  and  means  instantly  employed  to  prevent  the 
absorption  of  gangrenous  matter.  Friction  with  am- 
moniacal  and  turpentine  liniments  must  be  used  over 
the  swelling;  the  parts  must  be  subjected  to  the 
actual  cautery  at  white  heat,  and  disinfecting  agents 
of  all  kinds  must  be  freely  used,  as  chloride  of  lime, 
carbolic  acid,  and  permanganate  of  potash,  while  in- 
ternal treatment  must  immediately  be  instituted  by 
the  administration  of  stimulants  and  antiseptics  in  the 
form  of  ammonia  and  phenic  acid,  or  its  preparations. 

ABSCESSES. 

When  these  are  likely  to  result  from  a  too  rapid 
closure  of   the  edges  of   the  scrotal  envelope,   the 


90  ANIMAL   CASTKATION. 

premature  union  may  be  readily  prevented,  as  we 
have  before  stated^  by  the  careful  introduction  of  the 
finger  into  the  wound  while  it  is  still  suppurating. 
But  notwithstanding  this  precaution  they  will  some- 
times occur  as  the  result  of  the  infiltration  and  accu- 
mulation of  the  suppurative  matter.  A  free  incision 
and  proper  attention  to  the  cavity  of  the  abscess,  is 
all  that  this  accident  requires.  A  careful  examina- 
tion of  the  parts  will,  however,  reveal  another  cause 
for  the  formation  of  these  abscesses.  .  It  is  then 
against  these  causes  that  the  therapeutic  treatment 
must  be  directed.  We  refer  now  to  the  complica- 
tion known  as  the  formation  of  a 

CHAMPIGNON. 

This  name  is  applied  to  an  indurated  condi- 
tion of  the  end  of  the  cord,  or  in  its  thickness, 
of  a  tumefied  character,  varying  in  size  and  extent, 
and  slow  in  its  growth.  It  results  from  an  excess  of 
inflammatory  action,  attributable  to  the  manipula- 
tions which  become  necessary  during  the  perform- 
ance of  the  operation.  The  name  "champignon" 
(or  mushroom)  is  applied  to  it  by  the  Frencli,  on  ac- 
count of  the  pedunculated  appearance  which  it  some- 
times assumes,  and  which  causes  it  to  greatly  resem- 
ble that  fungus  in  its  outward  figure.  It  is  also 
known  as  schirrous  or  indurated  cord.  The  tumor 
is  sometimes  situated  on  the  outside  of  the  envelopes, 
when  it  is  known  as  extra-scrotal,  but  more  commonly 
it  is  found  covered  by  the  skin,  in  which  case  it  is 
better  known  as  intra-scrotaL     In  this  latter  condi- 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION.  91 

tion  it  may  be  merely  a  growth  at  the  end  of  the 
cord,  becoming,  as  determined  by  its  location,  of  an 
extra-inguinal  character,  or  if  the  diseased  process 
extends  as  far  as  the  npper  inguinal  opening,  or  be- 
yond it,  it  becomes,  and  is  so  denominated,  intra- 
obiominaL  There  is  also  an  extra-intra-scrotal  growth, 
when  it  is  partly  within  and  partly  external  to  the 
scrotum.  This  tumor  will  vary  greatly  in  size,  being 
sometimes  very  small  in  dimensions,  and  at  others 
having  those  of  a  man's  fist.  We  have  ourselves 
observed  it  equalling  a  child's  head  in  size. 

The  causes  from  which  it  originates  are  obscure, 
and  cannot  be  very  well  defined.  Still,  they  may  be 
arranged  under  the  heading  of  any  of  the  morbific 
causes  which  may  excite  an  excess  of  inflammatory 
action  at  the  end  of  the  cord.  Amongst  these  may 
be  enumerated  all  violent  tractions  upon  the  cord  at 
the  time  of  the  operation ;  all  unnecessary  manipu- 
lations during  the  process  of  cicatrization,  such  as 
the  too  frequent  introduction  of  the  finger  into  the 
wound  with  destruction  of  the  granulations  already 
adherent  to  the  cord,  and  the  application  of  the  ap- 
pliances for  its  division  too  low  down  upon  it,  leav- 
ing that  organ  hanging  too  much,  and  the  retraction 
of  the  organ  being  insufficient  to  retain  it  in  the  in- 
guinal sac.  Still,  as  a  champignon  may  be  developed 
in  the  absence  of  all  these  causes,  it  would  seem  that 
their  growth  may  be  attributed  also  to  some  specific 
idiosyncrasy  in  the  animal  affected,  the  true  nature 
of  which  cannot  be  very  accurately  or  easily  under- 
stood.    It  is  held,  however,  by  certain  German  and 


92  ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 

Russian  authors  that  exposure  to  cold  exercises  a 
great  deal  of  influence  in  the  development  of  this 
affection,  and  observation  has  largely  established 
the  fact  of  its  greater  prevalence  during  cold  seasons. 

Symptoms  of  extrascrotal  champignon,  —  This  is 
otherwise  known  in  the  terminology  of  some  patholo- 
gists as  triie  or  superficial  champignon.  It  develops 
itself  at  the  cut  extremity-  of  the  cord  as  a  granulat- 
ing mass,  of  a  red  color,  varying  in  size,  its  growth, 
nevertheless,  allowing  the  cicatrization  of  the  skin 
to  progress  in  such  a  manner  that  it  forms  a  point  of 
attachment  from  which  the  tumor  seems  to  proceed. 
This  form  of  it  is  usually  of  little  account,  as  it  may 
easily  be  removed  before  it  has  attained  to  trouble- 
some dimensions.  When  of  considerable  propor- 
tions, however,  it  may  interfere  materially  with  the 
act  of  locomotion  by  causing  pain  in  the  cord,  upon 
which  it  drags  more  or  less.  It  is  not  often  or  nec- 
essarily accompanied  by  constitutional  disturbance, 
excepting  in  cases  of  excessive  suppuration,  which 
may  sooner  or  later  undermine  the  general  health 
by  exhausting  the  stamina  of  the  patient. 

If  instead  of  showing  its  greatest  development  on 
the  surface  of  the  scrotum,  it  occurs  beneath  it,  a 
greater  or  less  degree  of  swelling  will  appear  on  one 
or  both  sides  of  the  inguinal  region,  the  swelling  be- 
ing somewhat  hard,  possibly  the  seat  of  one  or  more 
fistulous  tracks  resulting  from  abscesses  which  have 
at  times  opened,  discharged,  and  closed  ;  the  animal 
showing  a  certain  amount  of  stiffness  in  the  action 
of  the  hind  legs.      In  this  case  we  shall  have  to 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION.  93 

adapt  our  treatment  to  the  deep  champignon  of  Zundel, 
under  one  of  its  three  forms  of  extra-inguinal,  intra- 
inguinal,  and  intra-abdominal. 

Under  the  first  head  we  shall  often  discover,  upon 
inquiring  into  the  history  of  the  case,  that  for  a 
length  of  time,  varying  from  months,  perhaps,  to 
years,  the  animal  had  been  affected  with  a  swelling 
which  would  gather,  break,  and  slowly  heal,  leaving 
no  mark  as  an  apparent  indication  of  a  diseased  con- 
dition, excepting  that  a  certain  degree  of  lameness 
would  have  been  observed  to  be  present.  Upon  ex- 
ploring the  testicular  region  it  would  then  be  ob- 
served to  be  the  seat  of  a  tumor,  either  spherical  or 
pysiform,  seldom  painful,  and  more  or  less  adherent 
to  the  envelope  that  covered  it.  Above  this  the  end 
may  be  felt  free  from  diseased  process,  and  this  is 
the  champignon  in  its  chronic  form.  In  this  condi- 
tion it  is  not  incompatible  with  the  general  health 
of  the  animal  affected,  and  forms  no  hindrance  to  his 
usefulness.  This  condition  of  extra-inguinal  growth 
will  sometimes  dissolve  away  by  an  abscess-forma- 
tion, and  quite  disappear.  But  if  the  induration  of  the 
spermatic  cord  extends  to  the  upper  portion,  or  that 
which  is  enclosed  in  the  inguinal  canal,  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  interfere  with  locomotion,  the  leg  cor- 
responding with  the  diseased  side  being  carried  in 
abduction,  with  numerous  fistulous  tracks  existing 
on  the  surface  of  the  scrotum,  the  intensity  of  the 
symptoms  varying  with  the  extent  of  the  diseased 
process,  the  condition  of  the  cord  will  be  easily  dis- 
covered by  an  examination  of  the  parts,   and  the 


94  ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 

presence  of  an  intra-ingmnal  champignon  established. 
If,  besides  these  symptoms,  we  discover  by  rectal 
examination  that  there  is  in  front  of  and  above  the 
pubes  a  tumor  more  or  less  ovoid,  or  giving  the 
sensation  of  a  cylindrical  mass,  of  size  varying  to  the 
touch — which  is  the  diseased  indurated  cord — the 
case  is  judged  at  once  to  be  one  of  intra-abdominal 
nature.  At  times  the  inflammation  may  extend  to 
the  sub-lumbar  region,  when  the  hand  introduced 
into  the  rectum  may  discover  in  that  locality  an 
ovoid  tumor  or  abscess  which  may  be  of  great  size. 
This  form  of  champignon  is  incomparably  the  most 
serious  of  them  all ;  an  intense  and  presistent  react- 
ive fever  is  always  present,  and  this  at  length  termi- 
nates together  the  life  and  suffering  of  the  animal. 
The  abscess  may  sometimes  open  externally,  and  in 
some  cases  it  may  accumulate  within  the  thickness 
of  the  cord  and  form  large  collections ;  or,  again,  it 
may  find  its  way  into  the  abdominal  cavity,  where  it 
may  excite  a  fatal  peritonitis. 

This  rapid  examination  of  the  various  forms  of 
deep  champignon  will  enable  us  easily  to  realize  the 
difficulty  of  the  progress  in  the  case.  While  the 
pedunculated  form,  exterior  to  the  scrotum,  is  not, 
comparatively,  a  very  serious  matter,  it  becomes,  on 
the  contrary,  a  very  grave  occurrence  when  it  assumes 
the  characters  of  the  intra-abdominal  variety,  and 
must  in  a  majority  of  cases  be  recognized  as  an  incu- 
rable disorder. 

Treatment. — While  champignon  is  an  affection  in 
which  surgical  interference  cannot  usually  be  dis- 


ANIMAL  CASTRATION. 


95 


pensed  with,  it  is  still  essential  that  the  surgeon 
should  avoid  being  over  hasty  in  determining  in  fa- 
vor of  an  operation,  and  he  should  give  the  case  a 
very  careful  consideration  before  deciding  upon  his 
course.  At  first  emollient  applications,  appropriate 
topical  treatment,  and  a  few  points  of  cauterization, 
may  be  followed  by  a  process  of  resolution.  But  in 
the  event  of  their  failure  four  modes  of  operation 
present  themselves.  These  are,  in  their  order,  the 
application  of  the  clamps;  the  ligature;  the  linear 
crushing  or  ecraseur ;  and  cauterization.  When  the 
case  is  one  of  the  extra-scrotal  variety,  the  applica- 
tion of  a  ligature  around  the  base  of  the  peduncle, 
or  removal  by  ecraseur,  will  be  the  simplest  mode 
of  treatment,  unless  there  should  exist  a  tendency  to 
infiltration  of  the  cord,  in  which  case. the  manipula- 
tions to  be  followed  become  the  same  as  those  which 
are  adapted  to  that  of  the  deep  or  intra-scrotal  form. 
By  the  damps, — When  the  application  of  the  clamps 
is  resorted  to,  they  may  be  similar  to  those  used  in 

Fig.  25. 


CURVED    CLAMPS. 


ordinary  castration,  or  may  be  curved  in  form  (Fig. 
25).  The  animal  to  be  operated  on  is  to  be  thrown 
on  either  side  according  to  which  cord  is  affected. 


96  ANIMAL   CASTRATION. 

and  an  incision  made  through  the  envelopes  as  nearly 
parallel  with  the  median  line  of  the  body  as  the  case 
permits, when  the  tumor  and  the  cord  are  carefully  dis- 
sected and  separated  from  their  adhesions.  If  the 
tumor  is  suspended  from  the  end  of  the  cord  there 
will  be  no  difficulty  in  applying  the  clamp  above  it 
and  upon  a  healthy  portion  of  the  cord.  But  if  the 
diseased  process  extends  within  the  inguinal  canal, 
there  will  be  need  of  great  caution  in  dissecting  the 
cord  up  to  the  healthy  structure.  In  doing  this  the 
safer  mode  will  be  for  the  operator  to  treat  the  ad- 
hesions with  the  fingers  or  the  blunt  end  of  the 
scissors,  rather  than  to  employ  the  sharp  edge  of  the 
bistoury  with  the  accompanying  danger  of  causing 
hemorrhage.  If,  on  the  contrary,  the  cord  is  dis- 
eased to  an  extent  that  renders  it  difficult  to  reach  a 
healthy  portion,  other  modes  of  operation — as  by  the 
ligature — become  the  wiser  and  more  practicable 
indication.  When  the  clamps  are  used  it  is  neces- 
sary to  leave  them  in  place  for  several  days,  and 
sometimes  they  are  allowed  to  slough  off,  while  the 
growth  is  usually  suffered  to  remain  for  a  few  days 
after  the  operation. 

Ligature, — When  this  mode  of  procedure  is  adopted, 
the  tumor  having  been  dissected  and  the  cord  well 
freed  from  its  adhesions  with  surrounding  parts, 
and  the  ligature  being  applied,  the  tumor  may  either 
be  amputated  immediately  or  be  left  to  slough  off  in 
its  own  time.  The  ligature  may  be  either  of  twine, 
silk,  or  elastic  cord.  We  have  ourselves  operated 
by  this  method  in  the  successful  removal  of  growths 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION.  97 

of  very  considerable  size.  So  long  as  the  upper  por- 
tion of  the  cord,  which  retains  its  healthy  structure, 
can  be  reached,  the  application  of  the  ligature  is  at- 
tended with  no  difficulty,  the  manipulations  required 
being  similar  to  those  which  attend  the  removal  of 
all  growths  by  the  process  of  ligation.  But  if  the 
diseased  process  extends  so  far  that  the  ligature 
cannot  be  applied  at  the  proper  point,  as  in  the  case 
of  intra-inguinal  champignon,  it  will  be  necessary  to 
have  resort  to  the  ligature-carrier  recommended  by 
Serres  (Fig.  26).     In  using  this  instrument  the  loop 

Fig.  26. 


LIGATURE-CARRIER. 

of  the  ligature  being  passed  over  the  tumor  around 
the  cord,  is  carried  into  the  inguinal  canal  as  high 
up  as  possible,  pressure  being  made  by  holding  the 
instrument  against  the  cord,  Avhile  strong  traction  is 
made  on  the  ends  of  the  ligature,  which  is  then  se- 
cured by  a  knot  upon  a  small  stick  placed  across  the 
opening  of  the  instrument,  with  a  view  to  the 
prevention  of  slipping.  If  an  increase  of  pressure  is 
found  to  be  necessary,  it  can  easily  be  obtained  by 
tightening  the  ligature  from  day  to  day  as  required. 
If  the  size  of  the  cord  should  be  such  as  to  prevent 
a  proper  application  of  a  single  ligature,  it  may  be- 
come necessary  to  divide  it  in  applying  a  double, 


98  ANIMAL   CASTRATION. 

triple,  or  multiple  ligatures,  in  accordance  with  the 
rules  for  such  ligating. 

In  whatsoever  manner  the  ligature  maybe  applied, 
even  when  it  is  of  the  elastic  kind,  the  process  of 
sloughing  of  the  tissues  is  always  a  slow  one.  It  is 
for  this  reason  that  we  agree  with  Prof.  Bouley  in 
considering  the  treatment  of  champignon  by  the  linear 
crushing  very  much  to  be  preferred. 

Ecraseur. — The  steps  of  the  operation  with  this 
instrument  are  similar  to  those  required  in  the  other 
methods  already  considered.  The  champignon  is  iso- 
lated from  its  surrounding  parts,  the  chain  is  placed 
on  the  cord  above  the  base  of  the  tumor,  and  the 
amputation  ia  completed  by  a  slow  pressure  upon 
the  cord,  which,  crushing  it  by  degrees,  permits  its 
immediate  removal.  It  must  be  done  slowly,  occupy- 
ing from  ten  to  twenty  minutes  for  the  complete 
separation  of  the  champignon,  according  to  the  size 
of  the  tumor.  The  operation  being  finished,  the 
parts  are  left  in  the  condition  of  a  simple  wound, 
where  no  cause  exists  to  interfere  with  its  rapid  cica- 
trizatioQ. 

Cauterization. — This  is  a  mode  of  treatment  which 
we  have  never  had  occasion  to  submit  to  trial,  hav- 
ing always  given  the  preference  to  the  process  we 
have  just  referred  to.  It  is  recommended,  however, 
by  European  authorities.  Some  of  these  advocate 
the  "melting"  process,  or  the  introduction  of  sharp 
points  deeply  into  the  thickest  parts  of  the  enlarge- 
ment, while  others  advise  a  removal  of  a  portion  of 
the  growth  and  deep  cauterization  afterwards.     If 


ANIMAL    CASTKATION.  99 

cauterization  can  be  advantageously  employed,  the 
best  method,  in  our  judgment,  would  be  the  process 
of  amputation  with  Paccalin,  or  with  the  galvanic 
cautery.  We  may  here,  while  referring  to  the  appli- 
cation of  electricity  in  this  connection,  appropriately 
refer  to  our  own  experience  of  a  number  of  years 
ago,  in  treating  an  animal  suffering  with  intra-scrotal 
champignon,  by  electrolysis,  and  succeeding  after  two 
applications,  in  obtaining  the  complete  removal  of 
the  tumor.  This  method,  however,  consumes  too 
much  time  to  justify  its  employment  in  general  prac- 
tice. 

FISTULA   OF   THE   SCROTUM. 

Being  already  aware  of  several  causes  of  this  com- 
plication of  the  operation  of  castration,  we  may 
readily  appreciate  the  treatment  they  require.  It 
must  be  remembered  that  in  a  majority  of  cases,  the 
cause  of  this  lesion  is  the  presence  of  a  foreign  body 
in  the  wound,  and  that  until  it  is  removed,  it  is  in 
vain  to  look  for  a  cure.  Prof.  Bouley  has  reported 
a  case  in  which  the  fistula  was  due  to  the  presence 
of  a  pair  of  clamps  over  which  the  skin  had  almost 
entirely  cicatrized. 

INGUINAL   hernia;    HERNIA  OF   CASTRATION. 

By  this  is  understood  the  protrusion  of  some  por- 
tion of  the  contents  of  the  abdominal  cavity  through 
the  inguinal  ring,  either  a  portion  of  the  omentum 
or  of  some  part  of  the  small  intestines,  creating 


100  ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 

either  an  epiplocele  or  an  enterocele.  This  compli- 
cation may  take  place  either  during  the  operation, 
or  shortly  afterwards,  or  at  the  period  of  the  removal 
of  the  clamps.  It  proceeds  from  the  violent  strug- 
gling of  the  animal  during  the  operation ;  to  the 
colics  which  are  so  apt  to  supervene  ;  to  his  position 
when  placed  in  a  stall  of  which  the  floor  is  too  much 
inclined ;  or  it  may  result  from  some  of  the  various 
modes  of  castration,  as,  for  example,  the  uncovered 
operation. 

At  times  the  two  forms  of  hernia  may  pre- 
sent themselves  together,  constituting  a  case  of 
entero-epiplocele.  When  the  epiploan  aloDe  pro- 
trudes, it  need  not  give  rise  to  any  unnecessary 
anxiety,  as  it  may  easily  be  either  reduced  and  re- 
turned to  its  place,  or  ligated  with  the  clamps,  or 
torn  apart.  If,  on  the  contrary,  it  is  a  portion  of  the 
small  intestines  which  becomes  involved,  the  first 
indication  is  to  restore  it  to  its  place  by  the  proper 
iaxis  without  delay,  which  may  be  readily  done, 
ihe  animal  being  yet  down  and  placed  under  an 
anesthetic,  by  the  rectal  taxis  combined  with  the 
necessary  inguinal  manipulations.  When  this  has 
l>een  accomplished  the  intestine  is  kept  in  place  by 
the  application  of  a  clamp  over  the  cord,  upon  which 
the  fibrous  coat  of  the  cremaster  has  been  carefully 
drawn. 

PERITONITIS. 

This  complication,  considered  as  one  of  the  most 
frequent  following  castration,  is  also,  beyond  doubt, 


ANIMAL    CASTKATION.  101 

one  of  the  most  serious.  It  is  generally  the  result  of 
exposure  to  cold,  especially  when  its  occurrence  ac- 
companies the  suppurative  fever.  But  it  also  de- 
velops itself  in  animals  which  have  received  the  best 
hygienic  care,  its  appearance  being  attributed  to  an 
excessive  dragging  of  the  <;ord,  or  to  the  extension 
of  the  local  inflammation  by  continuity  of  tissues. 
It  manifests  itself  generally  between  the  second  and 
third  day  following  the  operation,  except  when  it 
becomes  symptomatic,  as  of  gangrene  of  the  cord, 
when  we  have  seen  it  making  its  appearance  towards 
the  tenth  day. 

The  symptoms  of  this  traumatic  peritonitis  differ 
somewhat  from  those  of  the  acute  inflammatory  type. 
According  to  Gourdon,  "the  animal  is  dull  and 
refuses  all  food — the  suppuration  of  the  wound  of 
the  scrotum  has  ceased,  the  bags  and  surrounding 
parts  become  the  seat  of  a  warm,  hard  and  painful 
swelling.  The  animal  stands  with  his  four  legs 
brought  close  together,  the  back  is  stiff  and  arched, 
the  flanks  are  cordy,  the  abdomen  painful,  the  pulse 
hard,  small  and  increased.  As  the  disease  progresses, 
the  symptoms  are  more  marked,  the  enlargement 
of  the  envelopes  increases  and  is  more  diffuse,  it  ex- 
tends down  to  the  abdomen,  and  even  under  the 
chest,  passes  along  the  thighs,  is  less  warm,  less  hard, 
less  painful,  and  pits  under  pressure.  There  are 
slight  colics,  the  pulse  gets  smaller,  intermittent,  the 
respiration  is  increased,  and  the  animal  dies  towards 
the  fifth  or  sixth  day." 

The  treatment  to  be  recommended  varies  accord- 


102  ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 

ing  to  different  authors.  While  some  prescribe  de- 
pletive and  sedative  treatment,  laxatives  and  diu- 
retics, many  prefer  tonics  and  stimulants.  The  Ger- 
mans claim  great  results  from  the  use  of  tincture  of 
arnica  (in  small  doses)  administered  internally.  The 
external  treatment  consists  in  sinapisms,  warm 
fomentations,  poultices,  or  fumigations  under  the 
abdomen. 

TETANUS. 

As  with  most  cases  of  traumatic  tetanus,  this  com- 
plication is  generally  fatal,  and  it  is,  without  doubt, 
the  most  dangerous  of  all  and  marked  by  the  greatest 
mortality.  It  is  generally  admitted  that  exposure  to 
cold  and  dampness  is  one  of  the  most  prolific  causes, 
especially  in  animals  which,  having  but  recently  re- 
covered, are  too  soon  put  to  work.  The  various 
modes  of  operation  have  also  been  considered  to 
have  some  influence  upon  its  development,  though 
there  is  probably  no  ground  upon  which  this  theory 
can  find  a  support.  "Whether  the  nature  of  the  soil 
of  a  district,  or  its  atmospheric  condition,  may  have 
any  connection  with  it,  is  also  a  question.  We  know 
that  in  some  portions  of  Long  Island,  cases  of  tetanus 
are  commonly  met  with,  at  some  seasons  of  the  year, 
after  surgical  operations  of  every  kind.  It  may  ap- 
pear within  a  few  days  following  the  castration,  or  it 
may  defer  its  visitation  for  a  period  of  twenty  days, 
or  longer. 

The  treatment  adopted  for  the  tetanus  of  castra- 


V 


ANIMAL  CASTRATION.  103 

tion  is  that  which  is  applied  to  all  cases  of  that  trau 
matic  affection. 

AMAUROSIS. 

This  disease  may  also  be  included  among  those 
classed  as  the  sequelae  of  castration,  having  been 
known  to  follow  cases  where  hemorrhage  of  the 
small  testicular  artery  had  occurred.  Tonic  treat- 
ment internally  and  local  stimulating  applications 
may  sometimes  relieve  this  complication,  but  it  will 
generally  be  admitted  to  be  incurable. 

COMPARATIVE   VIEW   OF  THE   VARIOUS   MODES   OF 
CASTRATION. 

The  process  by  simple  excision,  by  reason  of  the 
hemorrhage  which  necessarily  accompanies  it,  though 
not  inevitably  dangerous,  must  be  excluded  from  the 
domain  of  general  practice. 

That  of  scraping  the  cord  has  not,  so  far  as  our 
knowledge  extends,  been  sufficiently  tested,  either 
in  European  or  American  practice,  to  justify  its  rec- 
ommendation. 

The  process  of  torsion  lelow  the  epididymis  is  too 
much  subject  to  the  development  of  champignon,  as 
well  as  that  of  free  torsion  with  the  hands,  to  be  ad- 
mitted by  judicious  operators,  while  the  limited  tor- 
sion is  a  method  which  has  taken  rank  amongst  safe 
operators,  notwithstanding  the  enormous  swelling  of 
the  parts  by  which  it  is  commonly  accompanied,  and 
the  necessity  it  involves  of  the  introduction  of  the 


104  ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 

fingers  into   the   wound   to   prevent  its  premature 
closing. 

The  method  by  the  ecraseur,  though  occupying  a 
longer  time  in  its  completion  than  some  others,  has 
secured  very  favorable  results,  especially  in  the= 
hands  of  American  operators. 

The  operation  by  cauterization  is  highly  recom- 
mended  by  English  veterinarians.  We  believe,  con- 
trary  to  the  statements  of  French  authors,  that  it  is^ 
not  widely  in  use  on  this  Continent.  The  objections^ 
urged  against  it  are  that  the  hemostatic  effect  upon 
the  cord  is  less  reliable  than  in  the  method  by  the= 
clamps  or  the  ligature ;  that  there  is  more  or  less 
danger  of  cauterizing  the  surrounding  parts  by  the 
effect  of  the  radiant  heat  from  the  cautery  ;  and  that 
the  swelling  which  follows  the  operation  is  always 
excessively  great. 

Castration  by  the  clamps  is  the  best  known  and 
most  extensively  practised.  It  is  easy  and  quick  in 
its  performance ;  performs  the  most  certain  hemos- 
tasis  upon  the  artery,  and  notwithstanding  some 
slight  objections,  merits  a  preference  over  all  others. 
The  principal  objection  alleged  against  it  is  that  it 
is  attended  with  great  pain  to  the  suffering  patient 
when  the  pressure  of  the  instrument  upon  the  soft 
tissues  is  first  felt.  This  is  a  doubtful  question,  and 
if  this  excessive  amount  of  pain  really  exists,  it  cer- 
tainly  cannot  be  of  long  continuance,  merely  on  ac~ 
count  of  the  effect  produced  by  the  clamps  themselves. 

Of  the  various  methods  by  ligature,  that  of  the  li- 
gation of  the  cord  with  its  envelopes  is  applicable  to 


ANIMAL  CASTRATION.  105 

small  animals  only.  That  upon  the  cord  alone  is  li- 
able to  be  followed  bj  hemorrhage,  or  by  the  exces- 
sive retraction  of  the  cord  into  the  abdominal  cavity, 
drawing  the  ligature  with  it.  That  of  the  efferent 
canal,  and  of  the  cord  by  the  subcutaneous  mode  are 
not  admitted  in  general  practice,  while  that  of  the 
artery  alone  has  not  been  extensively  performed  on 
large  animals,  so  far  as  we  are  informed,  except  by 
certain  Massachusetts  veterinarians. 

The  castration  by  double  subcutaneous  twisting,  when 
extensively  applied  to  solipeds,  will  probably  prove 
to  be  the  safest  mode  of  all,  and  least  likely  to  be 
followed  by  complications.  We  are  not  informed  as 
to  the  extent  to  which  it  has  been  practised  in  thisL 
country,  even  amongst  ruminants. 


CHAPTEE  VI. 

CASTRATION  OF  FEMALES — HISTORY — INDICATIONS — EF- 
FECTS UPON  THE  ORGANISM  AND  SPECIAL  FUNCTIONS 
— ADVANTAGES  IN  COWS— CONDITIONS  FAVORABLE  TO 
THE  OPERATION  —  ANATOMY — MODUS  OPERANDI  —  BY 
THE  FLANKS — CHARLIER'S  PROCESS — INSTRUMENTS — 
VARIOUS  STEPS — DIVISION  OF  THE  VAGINA — SEIZING 
THE  OVARY  —  TWISTING  IT  OFF  —  COMPLICATIONS — 
HEMORRHAGE — PERITONITIS — ABSCESS  OF  THE  PELVIO 
CAVITY  —  CONSTIPATION  —  SUBCUTANEOUS  EMPHYSEMA 
— CASTRATION  OF  THE  SMALL  ANIMALS — OF  SWINE — 
OF  SLUTS — OF  FOWLS. 

As  I  have  stated  before,  the  revival  of  the  opera- 
tion of  castration  upon  large  females  is  due  to  a 
Louisiana  farmer,  Thomas  Winn,  who,  in  the  year 
1831,  castrated  several  of  his  cows. 

Without  entering  upon  the  history  which  includes 
a  record  of  the  failures  and  successes  attendant  upon 
the  introduction  of  the  operation,  it  may  suffice  to 
say  that  until  the  improvements  made  by  Charlier 
in  the  manipulations  involved  in  the  operation,  it 
encountered  considerable  opposition,  and  it  is  within 

(106) 


ANIMAL  CASTRATION.  107 

a  comparative^  recent  period  that  it  lias  become 
established  in  the  domains  of  veterinary  surgery. 

The  indications  by  which  this  operation  commend 
itself  to  agriculturists,  and  others  who  find  profit  or 
pleasure  in  the  use  or  ownership  of  these  domestic 
animals,  are  several.  Among  them  are  the  influence 
-which  it  exercises  upon  the  secretion  of  milk  in  cows, 
and  upon  the  power  of  accumulating  fat,  and  its  ef- 
fects upon  the  character  and  temper  of  all  the  large 
females,  in  which  relation  it  obviously  acts  as  a 
therapeutic  agent,  in  overcoming  certain  peculiar 
conditions  by  which  they  are  distinguished.  In  re- 
8pect  to  the  effect  of  the  operation  of  spaying  the 
cow  upon  the  milk  secretion,  it  is  a  fact  well  estab- 
lished that  it  not  only  increases  the  amount  and  du- 
ration of  the  flow,  but  also  improves  the  quality  of 
that  valuable  fluid,  the  spayed  cow  not  only  continu- 
ing the  production  from  eightt^en  to  twenty-four 
months,  but  giving  a  product  far  richer  in  the 
elements  of  nutrition.  This  is  shown  by  the  en- 
hanced proportions  of  the  cream,  the  caseine  ard  the 
sugar,  which  determine  its  richness  and  value,  both 
economically  and  commercially,  after  alteration. 

But  even  this  argument  in  favor  of  spaying  the 
cow  is  rendered  more  weighty  by  the  fact  that  besides 
its  influence  on  the  milky  secretion,  there  is  also  that 
which  is  furnished  by  the  consideration  of  its  effect  in 
augmenting  the  deposit  of  fat  throughout  the  frame, 
for  it  is  through  this  tendency  that  the  flesh  of  the  ani- 
mal becomes  so  greatly  improved  in  its  nutritive  qual- 
ity as  compared  with  that  of  the  same  species  wher  in 


108  ^  ANIMAL    CASTP^ATION. 

tlie  entire  condition,  becoming  30  noticablj  more  ten- 
der, juicy  and  palatable,  retaining  more  of  the  oily 
element,  digesting  more  easily,  and  so,  of  course,  ac- 
quiring a  pecuniary  value  in  the  market  not  before 
possessed.  These  remarks  apply  to  the  dry  equally 
with  the  milch  cow,  and  leaving  out  the  reference  to 
the  milk  secretion,  to  the  ox  as  weU. 

With  respect  to  the  effect  of  the  operation  upon 
the  character  and  disposition  of  the  cow,  these  are 
easily  illustrated  in  the  movements  of  the  nympho- 
maniac animal,  which  may  be  said  to  be  constantly 
in  a  state  of  hysterical  excitement.  They  seem  to 
be  in  continual  conditions  of  heat,  running  after  and 
mounting  other  animals  with  which  they  may  be  in 
company,  while  never  producing  and  giving  no  milk. 
They  are  always  in  a  lean  condition,  and  must  re- 
main a  pecuniary  loss  to  the  dairyman.  This  mani- 
festation of  nymphomania  is  also  met  with  in  the 
mare,  which,  continually  exhibiting  signs  of  heat, 
becomes  more  or  less  dangerous  on  that  account.  In 
these  cases  the  advantage  of  the  operation  of  spay- 
ing cannot  be  overlooked.  We  have  personal  knowl- 
edge of  several  cases  of  this  character,  in  which 
worthless  and  troublesome  mares  have  been  trans- 
formed into  docile  and  valuable  animals. 

CONDITIONS   FAVORABLE   TO   THE    OrEKATION. 

Charlier  expresses  the  opinion  that  the  best  time 
for  the  performance  of  the  operation  upon  cows  is 
from  the  sixth  to  the  eighth  year,  or  after  they  have 
had  their  second  or  third  calf.     If  performed  at  an 


ANIMAL   CASTRATION.  109 

earlier  period  the  great  objection  originally  urged 
against  castration,  that  its  performance  would  tend 
to  the  diminution  of  the  stock  in  numbers  or  "  pop- 
ulation," might  find  more  or  less  confirmation.  But 
by  an  observance  of  this  condition  all  danger  of  the 
annihilation  of  stock  would  be  obviated.  The  cow 
to  be  operated  on  ought  to  be  in  fair  condition,  not 
in  heat  or  pregnant,  and  the  time  selected  should 
be  from  forty  to  sixty  days  after  calving. 

ANATOMY. 

The  vagina  is  situated  within  the  pelvic  cavity,  be- 
tween the  rectum  and  the  bladder.  Its. internal  face 
presents  numerous  longitudinal  folds,  the  purpose 
of  which  is  to  permit  the  free  dilatation  of  the  parts. 
At  the  bottom  of  the  passage  is  situated  the  neck  of 
the  ufertiSy  giving  to  the  finger  the  sensation  of.  a  pro- 
jection, hard  towards  the  cavity  of  the  vagina,  and 
in  the  centre  of  which  is  felt  a  closed  opening,  from 
which  radiate  the  folds  of  the  mucous  membrane. 
The  uterus  (Figs.  27  and  28),  continued  forward  to  the 
neck,  is  situated  in  the  abdominal  cavity,  occupying 
the  sub-lumbar  region,  with  its  posterior  extremity 
resting  at  the  end  of  the  pelvic  cavity.  It  is  somewhat 
pyriform  in  shape,  and  larger  at  its  base,  where  it  di- 
vides into  two  lateral  halves,  continued  by  the  horns. 
The  concave  curvature  of  these  horns  look  downward 
in  the  cow,  but  face  upwards  in  the  mare.  In  both 
they  give  attachment  to  the  broad  ligaments.  These 
are  folds  of  the  peritoneum,  more  developed  for- 
ward than  behind,  rising  from  the  sub-lumbar  re- 


110  ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 

gion,  and  descending  towards  the  uterus,  to  fix 
themselves  upon  the  sides  of  the  superior  face  of  the 
body  of  this  organ,  and,  as  before  stated,  upon  the 
curvature  of  the  horns.  Their  anterior  border  is 
free,  and  gives  support  to  the  oviducts  and  the 
ovaries.  Between  the  serous  layers  are  found  the 
utero-ovarian  artery  and  veins,  largely  developed. 
The  ovaries  are  situated  on  the  internal  face  of  the 
broad  ligament,  forming  a  small  ovoid  mass,  which 
receives  a  special  serous  lamella,  a  sort  of  ligament, 
having  between  its  layers  a  few  grayish  muscular 
fibres,  which  may  be  strong  enough  to  oifer  serious 
resistance  when  the  extirpation  of  the  organ  is  at- 
tempted. 

MODUS   OPERANDI. 

There  are  two  modes  of  operation.  The  original 
method  was  that  of  removal  through  the  flanks, 
which,  however,  has  fallen  into  disuse  since  the  in- 
troduction of  the  process  of  Charlier,  of  removal 
through  the  vagina.  This  process  is  altogether  to 
be  preferred,  as  being  safer,  more  consistent  with 
scientific  surgery,  and  in  a  word  is  the  only  one 
which  it  is  proper  to  perform,  so  long  as  the  capacity 
of  the  vagina  permits  the  necessary  manipulations 
to  be  performed. 

METHOD   BY   THE   FLANKS. 

Four  steps  are  necessary  to  be  followed  in  this 


Fig.  27. 


RIGHT  OVARY  OF  THE  COW  WITH  ITS  ATTACHMENTS. 


U. — Right  horn  of  the  uterus.  L. — Broad  ligament.  L' — Its 
anterior  border.  O. — Ovary.  R. — Peritoneal  fold  where  it  is 
suspended.  S. — Superior  ovarian  ligament.  T. — Inferior  ovarian 
ligament.  A. — Ovarian  arteiy.  V. — Ovarian  vein.  I. — Oviduct. 
P.— Its  pavilion.  X. — Its  superior  or  fimbriated  opening.  Z. — Ita 
inferior  opening, 

[iix] 


Fig.  £8. 


XiONGITUDINAL  SECTION  OF  THE  PELVIS  OF  THE  MARE  SHOWINGI 
THE  POSITION  AND  CONNECTION  OF  THE  GENITAL  ORGANS. 

1 — ^Uterus.  2 — Horn  of  the  uterus.  3— Vagina.  4 — Blad- 
der. 5--Rectum.  7  8— Vulva.  9— Ovary.  10— Oviduct.  11 
— Kidney.     12 — Broad  ligament. 

[1x3] 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION.  115 

method.  The  first  is  securing  the  animal.  The  cow 
is  usually  kept  on  her  feet,  pressed  firmly  against  a 
wall,  the  legs  secured  with  hobbles,  and  her  head 
controlled,  as  much  as  possible,  by  a  strong  assist- 
ant. The  second  step  is  the  incision  of  the  flank. 
This  is  made  on  the  left  side,  with  a  sharp,  convex 
bistoury,  in  the  middle  of  the  superior  portion  of 
that  region,  di\dding  the  skin  and  muscles  vertically, 
care  being  taken  that  the  incision  is  not  carried  too 
low  down,  in  order  to  avoid  the  division  of  the  cir- 
cumflex artery,  which  passes  along  in  that  vicinity. 
An  opening  is  then  made  in  the  peritoneum,  either 
with  the  knife  or  with  the  fingers,  sufficiently  large 
to  permit  the  introduction  of  the  fingers.  In  the  third 
step  of  the  operation,  which  comprehends  the  re- 
moval of  the  ovary,  the  surgeon  introduces  his  hand 
into  the  abdomen,  and  turning  it  towards  the  pelvis, 
feels  for  the  horns  of  the  uterus.  Upon  finding 
these  the  ovaries  are  easily  discovered.  He  care- 
fully draws  them  outwards,  and  their  removal  is  ef- 
fected either  with  the  ecraseur  or  the  forceps  of 
Charlier.  The  operation  is  concluded  by  the  appli- 
cation of  a  quill  suture. 

CHAELIER's   method — INSTRUMENTS. 

For  this  operation  special  instruments  are  re- 
quired. These  consist  of,  first,  a  vaginal  dilator 
(Fig.  29),  or  speculum,  of  peculiar  and  somewhat 
complicated   construction,   to    be   modified    subse- 


Fig.  29.~charlier's  yaginvl  speculum. 


E 


(Closed.)    ' 


Ixi61 


(Open. 


ANIMAL  CASTRATION. 


117 


Fia.  30. 


MODIFIED 

VAGINAL 

SPECULUM. 


quentlj  by  another  (Fig  30),  of  supe- 
rior form  and  easier  of  application,  and 
now  in  general  use ;  second,  a  bistoury 
cache  (Fig.  31),  sliding  on  its  handles, 
Fig.  31. 


BISTOURY  CACH 


which  is  a  true  embryotomy  knife,  mod- 
ified by  Colin  (Fig.  32) ;  third,  a  pair  of 
Fia.  32. 


COlilN'S  BISTOXTRT    CACHE. 


guarded  blades,  curved  on  its  flat  sur- 
face ;  fourth,  a  torsion  forceps  (Fig.  34), 
closed  by  a  peculiar  thread  arrange- 
ment, moved  by  the  handle ;  and  fifth, 
a  steel  thimble  (Fig.  35),  which  has  been  modified 
by  the   instrument  shown  in  Fig.   36,  and  which 


Fig.  33. 


Fig.  34. 

FORCEPS  FOR  CASTRATION  OF  COWS. 


O 

O 


9 


SCISSORS  TO  DIVIDE    THE 
BROAD  LIGAMENT. 


Pig.  35.— Thimble 
FOR  Castration. 


Fig.  36  — Colin 's  Nippers, 
to  take  the  place  of  the  thimble. 

[ii8] 


ANIMAL    CASTKATION.  119 

:s  used  in  applying  the  limited  torsion  on  the  broad 
ligaments. 

Preparation  of  the  animal, — No  general  preparation 
is  required,  except  one,  which  may  be  regarded  as  of 
local  effect,  but  is  not  to  be  overlooked.  This  consists 
in  the  evacuation  of  the  bowels  by  means  of  a  rectal 
injection,  in  order  that  the  arms  of  the  surgeon  may 
not  become  unnecessarily  soiled  during  the  opera- 
tion.  The  animal  is  secured  on  her  feet  by  being 
placed  in  a  narrow  stall  to  prevent  her  from  moving 
from  side  to  side,  the  floor  of  the  stall  having  an  in- 
clination forwards,  in  order  to  prevent  the  pressure 
by  gravitation  of  the  intestinal  mass  towards  the 
posterior  parts  of  the  abdomen. 

The  operation  is  completed  in  two  steps,  of  which 
the  first  is  the  incision  of  the  vagina,  and  the  second 
the  extirpation  of  the  ovaries. 

THE    INCISION   IN  THE   VAGINA. 

This  is  made  in  the  following  manner.  The  ope- 
rator introduces  the  speculum  with  his  right  hand, 
through  the  vulva,  into  the  vaginal  cavity,  and  care- 
fully passing  in  his  left  hand,  well  oiled,  directs  and 
introduces  the  little  prolongation  A  of  the  speculum 
into  the  centre  of  the  neck  of  the  uterus,  gently 
pressing  upon  it  in  order  to  keep  it  in  place.  In 
using  the  original  dilator,  the  opening  of  the  branches 
must  be  so  regulated  as  to  put  the  walls  of  the  vagina 
upon  the  stretch.  Or,  if  he  uses  the  modified  specu- 
lum, he  pushes  the  instrument  downwards  and  for- 
wards, and  by  this  motion  distends  the  upper  wall 


120  ANIMAL    CASTKATION. 

.  of  the  cavity,  keeping  the  instrument  in  that  position 
hj  a  hold  of  the  left  hand,  which  has  been  withdrawn 
from  the  vagina.  He  then  arms  himself  with  the 
bistoury  cache,  which  he  holds  closed  in  his  full 
hand  and  introduces  with  the  right  hand  into  the 
vagina.  Carefully  feeling  the  condition  of  the  upper 
wall  of  this  cavity,  and  assuring  himself  of  its  being 
well  stretched,  he  rests  his  hand,  still  holding  the  bis- 
toury, upon  the  opening  or  "  window  "  at  the  end  of 
the  speculum  (Figs.  37  and  38),  and  by  firmly  pushing 
the  blade  (the  sharp  edge  being  turned  backwards)  out 
of  its  handle,  pierces  Avith  it  the  vaginal  walls,  about 
two  inches  above  the  neck  of  the  uterus,  and  with  a 
motion  from  below  upwards  and  from  before  back- 
wards, makes  an  incision  on  the  median  line,  from 
three  to  three  and  a  half  inches  in  length.  The  in- 
troduction of  the  instrument  must  be  made  in  such 
a  manner  that  it  will  pass  at  once  through  the  walls 
of  the  vagina  proper,  as  well  as  through  the  perito- 
neal cap  which  it  presents  at  its  anterior  portion. 

The  incision  being  completed,  the  speculum  is 
carefully  withdrawn  ;  and  if  a  slight  hemorrhage 
should  occur,  the  blood  should  be  removed  before  the 
surgeon  proceeds  to  the  second  step  of  the  operation. 

REMOVAL   OF   THE    OVARIES. 

Then,  again  introducing  his  hand  into  the 
vagina,  and  passing  his  finger  through  the  opening 
made  by  the  incision,  he  feels  for  the  ovaries,  which 
he  finds  floating  at  the  extremity  of  their  ligaments, 
towards  the  entrance  of  the  pelvis,  below,  on  each 


Fia.  37. 


CASTRATION  OF  COWS.     (Charlier's  process). 
Incision  of  the  vagina. 


Fig.  38. 


CASTRAT'ON  OF  COWS.     (Charlier's  pi 
1st  step.     Incision  of  the  vaj^ina. 

("3) 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION.  125 

side,  and  at  a  short  distance  from  the  incision,  be- 
tween the  base  of  the  uterine  horns,  near  and  inside 
of  the  free  border  of  the  ligaments,  and  a  little  above 
the  anterior  border  of  the  pubis.  Then,  grasping 
the  ovarian  body,  he  draws  it  carefully  into  the 
vagina,  through  the  incision,  and  introduces  the  long 
scissors,  with  the  guarded  blade  of  which  he  divides 
the  thick  border  of  the  broad  ligament  (Fig.  39),  re- 
placing the  ovaries  into  the  abdomen  without  releas- 
ing his  hold.  The  torsion  forceps  is  then  passed 
into  the  vagina  and  through  the  incision,  and  is 
made  to  take  hold  with  its  open  jaws  of  the  broad 
ligament  (Fig.  40),  above  the  ovary,  and  is  firmly 
closed  by  the  movement  of  the  spiral  crank  of  the 
handle  (D).  Both  hands  being  now  outside  of  the 
vaginal  cavity,  and  the  forceps  being  secured  on  the 
broad  ligament,  held  by  the  right  hand,  the  left 
thumb  is  protected  by  the  thimble  (E),and  the  hand 
once  more  inserted,  to  grasp  the  broad  ligament 
above  the  point  where  the  jaws  of  the  torsion  forceps 
are  placed.  In  this  position  the  torsion  is  made 
with  the  forceps,  the  twisting  of  the  ligament  being 
limited  by  the  firm  pressure  made  by  the  thimble 
on  the  thumb  with  the  index  finger,  or  by  a  pair  of 
crushing  pincers.  After  several  turns  of  the  instru- 
ment, the  ovary  is  separated  from  its  attachment, 
and  may  be  brought  out  of  the  cavity,  still  held  se- 
curely between  the  oval  jaws  of  the  torsion  forceps. 
The  same  method  is  applicable  to  the  ovaries  of 
both  sides.  These  rules  are  subject  to  more  or  less 
modification  by  indications  which  may  occasionally 


Fig.  39. 


SCISSORS  DIVIDING  THE  BROAD  LIGAMENTS* 

(126} 


Fig.  40.— torsion  of  the  ovary. 
A  B— Forceps  closed.     B  C— Forceps  open.     E— Thimble. 

U27; 


ANIMAL   CASTRATION.  129 

present  themselves,  arising  from  the  age  of  the  animal 
or  the  structure  or  other  conditions  of  the  ovaries. 

This  method  of  castration  has  been  modified  in 
many  ways,  both  as  to  the  forms  of  the  instruments 
used,  and  the  mode  of  using  them,  a  majority  of 
operators,  at  the  present  time  even,  discarding  the 
dilator,  and  making  the  incision  simply  by  stretch- 
ing the  walls  of  the  vagina  and  pushing  against  the 
neck  of  the  uterus  with  the  hand.  The  manner  in 
which  the  removal  of  the  ovaries  is  effected  has  also 
been  subjected  to  many  changes.  For  more  than 
twenty  years,  during  which  we  have  been  perform- 
ing the  operation,  we  have  been  accustomed  to  use 
the  ecraseur  in  the  last  step,  and  with  excellent  and 
satisfactory  results. 

The  subsequent  attention  required  by  the  spayed 
cow  is  usually  a  very  simple  matter,  and  involves 
little  beyond  careful  dieting,  the  patient  recovering 
from  the  general  effects  upon  the  system  usually  ia 
a  few  days. 

COMPLICATIONS. 

It  may  properly  be  said  that  there  are  no  compli- 
cations likely  to  follow  the  process  in  the  castration 
of  cows,  which  may  be  denominated  serious.  In  the 
statistics  which  record  the  mortality  attending  it> 
the  fatal  cases  are  represented  at  the  very  trifling 
rate  of  two  per  cent.  A  light  colic  may  sometimes 
follow  it,  but  it  usually  subsides  without  medical 
treatment.  Still,  however,  spaying  may  at  times  be 
accompanied   by  accidents  of   a  serious   character. 


130  ANIMAL   CASTRATION. 

though  these  have  considerably  diminished  in  fre- 
quency since  the  introduction  of  the  method  of 
Charlier.     One  of  these  is 

HEMORRHAGE, 

which  may  occur  wlien  the  torsion  or  the  crushing  of 
the  artery  has  not  been  sufficiently  complete.  But 
though  it  is  likely  to  give  rise  to  peritonitis,  it  is  not 
necessarily  a  fatal  complication.  We  have  ourselves 
known  of  cases  of  its  occurrence  in  mares  which 
had  survived  it  a  number  of  days,  and  when  destroy- 
ed exhibited  none  of  the  lesions  of  that  affection. 

PERITONITIS. 

We  have  several  times  met  with  this  sequel  to  the 
operation,  especially  in  mares.  But  in  these  cases, 
as  revealed  by  post  mortem  investigation,  the  disease 
seemed  generally  to  have  remained  localized.  Less 
common  than  prior  to  the  practice  of  castration  per 
vagina,  it  still  is  followed  by  fatal  consequences 
when  the  entire  peritoneum  becomes  diseased.  Its 
appearance  usually  occurs  from  the  third  to  the 
sixth  day.  There  is  suspension  of  the  milky  secre- 
tion, general  dullness,  chills,  anorexia,  suspension  of 
rumination,  rapid,  small  and  thready  pulse,  some- 
times painful  respiration,  rapid  loss  of  flesh,  and 
speedily — death.  The  indications  of  treatment  are 
similar  to  those  which  are  applicable  to  peritonitis 
in  the  solipeds,  but  the  prognosis  is  always  serious. 

ABSCESS   IN  THE   PELVIC   CAVITY. 

This  is  a  complication  we  have  quite  often  en- 
countered.     Besides   the    general   symptoms,  there 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION.  131 

are  those  of  a  local  character,  which  are  detected  bj 
rectal  examination,  by  which  discovery  is  made  o£ 
the  presence  of  a  tumor  on  one  side  or  the  other  of 
the  vagina,  varying  in  size,  fluctuating,  and  easily 
identified.  This  abscess  may  be  opened  in  the 
cavity  of  the  vagina^  and  should  be  attended  to  as 
soon  as  discovery  is  made  of  the  fluctuating  charac^ 
ter  of  the  growth,  without  waiting  for  the  process  of 
natural  resolution. 

SUBCUTANEOUS  EMPHYSEMA. 

Emphysema  of  the  subcutaneous  connective  tissue 
is  said  to  be  a  common  sequel  to  the  flank  operation. 
Its  appearance  need  not  excite  any  special  uneasi- 
ness, as  its  termination  is  usually  by  spontaneous 
disappearance.  It  is  an  accident  we  have  never  en- 
countered in  our  practice.    . 

CONSTIPATION. 

This  complication,  which  is  often  met  with  in 
mares,  is  to  be  carefully  looked  for,  and  must  be 
relieved  by  laxative  food  and  rectal  injections.  It 
is  due  to  the  pain  which  accompanies  defecation 
while  the  wound  of  the  vagina  is  healing,  and  which 
the  animal  tries  to  avoid  by  keeping  the  rectum 
full. 

CASTRATION   OF  THE  SMALL  ANIMALS. 
SMATiL  RUMINANTS. 

For  these  jsubjects,  two  modes  of  operation  are 
to  be  principally  recommended.  The  first  is  the 
double  subcutaneous   torsion;    the  other  the  liga-- 


132  ANIMAL   CASTRATION. 

ture  en  masse  of  the  cord  and  its  envelopes.  Hav- 
ing already  considered  these  operations,  a  passing 
reference  will  suffice  here. 

FOR   SWINE. 

In  males,  the  varying  modes  employed  are  the  lig- 
ature, limited  torsion,  and  the  clamps. 

In  females,  it  must  be  remembered  that  the  horns 
of  the  uterus  are  very  long  and  flexuous  (Fig.  41), 
and  that  the  very  small  ovaries  are  situated  on  the 
inside  of  the  broad  ligaments,  which  are  very  large, 
and  allow  the  horns  to  float  freely  amongst  the  cir- 
cumvolutions of  the  intestines.  The  animal  must 
be  prepared  by  being  secured  upon  the  right  side 
in  order  to  expose  the  left  flank.  The  incision  is 
made  with  a  knife  of  peculiar  form  (Fig.  42),  the 

Fig.  42. 


BISTOURY  FOR  THE  CASTRATION  OF    SOW. 

(Division  of  the  flank). 

coarse  bristles  having  been  previously  closely  clip- 
ped off.  Care  should  b.e  taken  to  carry  the  left  leg 
in  extension  backwards,  in  such  a  manner  that  the 
edges  of  the  various  tissues  divided  shall  not  meet 
each  other  when  the  operation  is  completed.  The 
incision  may  be  made  either  vertically,  horizontally, 
or  obliquely.     When  vertical  it  should  be  immedi- 


Fig.  41. 


GENITAL  ORGANS  OF  A  YOUNG  SOW. 

(Median  and  antero-posterior  section).  1 — Ovary.  2 — Horn 
of  the  uterus.  3 — Body  of  the  uterus.  4 — Rectum.  5 — ^Vagina. 
6 — Bladder.  7 — Kidney.  9 — Intestines.  10— Stump  of  one  of 
the  horns  of  the  uterus. 

{'33) 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION.  135 

ately  below  the  lumbar  vertebra  next  to  the  last  rib; 
if  horizontal  it  should  be  parallel  with  the  vertebral 
column.  The  vertical  incision  should  be  preferred, 
because  it  brings  the  ovaries  within  easy  reach  of 
the  finsrers.     It  should  be  from  two  to  three  inches 

o 

in  length,  and  should  be  made  bj  a  single  stroke  of 
the  knife,  and  without  dividing  the  peritoneum, 
which  should,  afterwards,  be  either  torn  with  the 
finger  or  carefully  cut  while  raised  with  the  forceps. 
To  find  the  ovaries  the  operator  introduces  the  index 
finger  of  the  right  hand  between  the  vertebral  column 
and  the  intestines,  and  explores  the  lumbar  region. 
Upon  finding  the  ovarian  sac,  he  presses  it  against 
the  abdominal  wall  and  causes  it  to  slide  by  pushing 
towards  the  opening  through  which  it  is  extruded 
and  grasped.  While  it  is  held  there  the  left  horn  is 
carefully  drawn  out  after  it,  until  arriving  at  the  bi- 
furcation of  the  horns  at  the  uterus,  the  right  horn 
also  is  brought  out  and  the  ovary  on  that  side  se- 
cured. Both  glands  being  now  outside,  they  are 
torn  or  scraped  off  from  their  attachment,  and  the 
horns  are  returned  to  the  abdomen. 

While  this  process  is  readily  applicable  to  young 
sows,  and  requires  a  certain  amount  of  practice  to 
be  performed  expertly  and  with  success,  it  is  slightly 
modified  when  applied  to  older  animals.  In  that 
case  the  two  horns  must  not  be  exposed  outside  to- 
gether, but  each  must  be  returned  when  the  removal 
of  the  ovary  connected  with  it  has  been  effected. 

The  simple  tearing  of  the  ovaries  is  not  always 
sufficient,  and  may  be  sometimes  followed  by  serious 


136  ANIMAL   CASTRATION. 

hemorrhage.  The  scraping  and  the  torsion  are  safer, 
and  in  some  instances  the  ligature  has  been  applied. 
The  incision  is  closed  with  the  interrupted  or,  which 
is  preferable,  the  continued  suture.  No  special 
after-treatment  is  required  beyond  low  diet  for  a  few 
days,  with  a  little  extra  attention  to  cleanliness. 

The  operation  may  at  times  be  rendered  difficult 
by  exceptional  and  accidental  conditions,  as,  for  ex- 
ample, the  shortness  of  the  fingers  of  the  operator. 
This  difficulty,  however,  can  be  overcome  by  placing 
a  bundle  of  straw  or  other  substance  under  the  right 
flank,  which,  by  raising  the  body  displaces  the  in- 
testines upwards  and  crowds  the  ovary  towards  the 
left  flank. 

It  may  also  happen,  as  sometimes  with  old  sows, 
that  the  ovary  has  become  the  seat  of  large  cysts, 
or  that  its  size  is  increased  in  consequence  of  patho- 
logical changes  in  its  structure.  In  the  first  case, 
the  cyst  may  be  punctured  and  emptied  with  a 
trochar  before  attempting  the  obliteration  of  the 
organ.  In  the  second,  the  opening  into  the  abdomen 
must  be  enlarge<l  sufficiently  to  permit  the  exit  of 
the  extra  bulk. 

If  through  inadvertence  the  operation  has  been 
begun  while  the  animal  is  in  a  state  of  pregnancy, 
the  proceeding  must  be  discontinued,  the  patient 
kept  quiet  and  the  matter  indefinitely  postponed. 

DOGS. 

The  male  is  altered  by  either  the  process  of  ex- 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION.  139 

cision,  torsion,  or  ligature,  according  to  the  age  and 
size  of  the  animal. 

In  the  female,  when,  as  is  sometimes  supposed,  it 
becomes  a  preventive  measure  in  respect  to  hydro- 
phobia— though  if  it  be  so,  it  can  only  be  from  the 
fact  that  a  castrated  bitch  will  usually  remain  at 
home  while  others  are  running  abroad  in  heat, 
and  thus  being  more  exposed  to  contagion — the 
operation  is  only  justifiable  in  the  case  of  house 
dogs,  domestic  pets,  in  order  to  obviate  the  annoy- 
ance caused  to  their  owners  by  their  demonstrations 
while  in  heat.  In  the  bitch  the  broad  ligaments  are 
very  long  (Fig.  43),  extending  as  far  as  the  hypochon- 
driac region,  where  they  divide  into  an  external  layer, 
which  reaches  to  the  last  rib,  while  the  other  extendi; 
to  the  sub-lumbar  region  behind  the  diaphragm. 
The  broad  ligaments  diminish  in  height  as  they 
run  forward  in  such  a  way  that  the  anterior  border 
of  the  external  layer  where  the  ovary  is  found, 
shorter  in  its  median  part,  gives  a  certain  amount  of 
fixity  to  the  anterior  extremity  of  the  horns  which  it 
teeps  elevated  in  each  hypochondriac  region;  on 
that  account  both  horns''  cannot  be  at  one  time 
brought  through  the  incision,  and  it  becomes  gen- 
erally necessaiy  in  the  bitch  to  operate  on  each  side. 

The  manipulations  are  similar  to  those  followed  in 
spaying  sows,  with  the  exception  that  the  incision  is 
made  lower,  more  forward  and  nearer  to  the  last  rib* 

CASTRATION    OF    FOWLS. 

The  effect  of  this  operation  upon  the  quality  of 


140  ANIMAL    CASTRATION. 

the  flesh  and  the  power  of  accumulating  fat,  in  the 
domestic  fowl  is  a  fact  too  familiar  to  those  who  have 
learned  to  appreciate  the  exquisite  juicy  quality  of 
the  meat  of  the  capon  to  need  any  comment  at  our 
hands.  The  operation  upon  these  animals  is  one  of 
considerable  difficulty  and  requires  skill  and  experi- 
ence to  perform  with  nicety  and  success. 

In  birds  the  testicles  are  situated  in  the  abdomi- 
nal cavity,  immediately  behind  the  lungs,  under  the 
vertebral  column  and  in  front  of  the  kidneys  (Fig. 
44).  They  correspond  exactly  to  the  articulation  of 
the  last  three  ribs  with  the  spinal  column,  where 
they  lie  close  together  and  in  contact  with  the  blood 
vessels  which  separate  them  from  the  kidneys.  They 
are  held  in  position  by  the  peritoneum  spread  above 
them,  and  by  minute  blood  vessels,  branches  of  the 
aorta  or  of  the  vena  cava. 

In  the  operation  the  fowl  is  placed  on  his  side, 
the  tail  being  towards  the  operator,  with  the  hind 
leg  carried  backwards,  in  order  to  expose  the  flank 
.of  the  side  selected  for  the  incision.  The  first  step 
of  the  operation  consists  in  plucking  the  feathers 
irom  a  sufficient  extent  of  surface,  and  making  an 
incision  a  little  behind  the  lateral  internal  processes 
of  the  sternum,  from  within  outwards,  and  from  be- 
fore backwards,  and  slightly  oblique,  through  the 
gkin  and  the  thin  muscles  of  the  abdomen,  and  when 
reaching  the  peritoneum  carefully  opening  it  with  a 
puncture,  having  it  raised  with  a  pair  of  forceps. 
The  second  step,  or  that  which  involves  the  extirpa- 
tion of  the  gland,  is  performed  by  the  introduction 


Fig.  44. 


8— 


GENITAL  ORGAN  OF  THE  ROOSTER. 

1. — Testicle.  2a  2d, — Deferent  canals.  3. — Ureters.  4. — Cloacum.  5. — 
Posterior  aorta.  7. —Posterior  vena  cava.  8,  9,  10. — Three  last  ribs.  11.  - 
Pelvic  bones. 

[I4t] 


ANIMAL    CASTRATION.  143 

of  the  index  finger  of  the  right  hand  into  the  abdo- 
men, passing  it  above  the  intestinal  mass  and  turn- 
ing towards  the  dorsal  region  near  the  articulation 
of  the  last  two  ribs,  where  the  testicles  are  felt, 
prominent  at  the  sub-lumbar  region.  Then,  with 
the  fingers  half  flexed,  the  adhesions  of  the  organ  are 
broken  oflf,  and  the  organ,  held  in  the  bend  of  the 
finger,  is  brought  outside.  The  second  testicle  is 
removed  by  the  same  process.  If  the  testicles  should 
slip  from  the  grasp  of  the  finger,  the  accident  is  of 
little  account,  as  they  will  graft  themselves  upon  the 
walls  of  the  abdomen,  and  in  time  disappear  by  res- 
olution. The  operation  is  concluded  by  the  closing 
of  the  wound  by  stitches  of  interrupted  suture,  and 
the  healing  usually  takes  place  by  first  intention. 

The  operation  is  performed  in  the  hen  in  the  same 
manner  as  with  the  male  bird,  the  ovaries  being 
found  in  the  lumbar  region,  from  which  they  are  re- 
moved by  the  same  manipulations  that  are  employed 
in  caponing. 

Young  fowls  about  in  their  third  month,  are  usually 
selected  as  the  victims  of  this  epicurean  barbarity. 


CONTENTS. 


Abdominal  Cryptorchidy 77 

Abscesses  in  Scrotal  region 89 

"          "  Pelvic  cavity 130 

Advantages  of  Castration  in  cows 108 

Age  at  which  Castration  ought  to  be  performed 8 

Amaurosis. 103 

Anatomy  of  the  male  parts 15 

'•      female" 109 

Bistournage 58 

Bistoury  Cache 117 

Castration  of  Cryptorchids 67 

"           Dogs .         136 

'  *          Fashion  and  convenience 5 

Females 106 

Fowls 139 

"           Necessity 4 

**           Small  ruminants 131 

"           Swine 132 

Champignon 90 

Superficial 92 

Deep 93 

Charlier's  Instruments 115,  116 

Method \.  115 

Scissors 118 

Clamps 41 ,  42 

House 35 

Classification  of  Methods ■ 19 

Colics 85 

Combined  Forceps  of  M.  Beaufils 30 


146  CONTENTS. 

Comparative  View  of  the  Various  Modes 105 

Complications  and  their  Treatment 84,  129 

Conditions  favomble  to  the  operation 108 

Constipation 131 

Covered  Operation 44 

Crushing  of  the  Testicular  Cord 57 

Curved  Clamps , 95 

Bangers  of  Operation  Standing  Up 12 

Definition  of  Castration 3 

Dogs 13G 

Double  Subcutaneous  Torsion . ., 58 

Ecraseurs 35 

Effects  of  Castration 5,  78,  108 

Emphysema,  subcutaneous 131 

Excision 20 

Farmer  Miles 68 

Firing  35 

*  •     Forceps  for  Castration  by 69 

Fistula  of  the  Scrotum 99 

Forceps  for  Holding  the  Ovary 118 

Fowls 139 

Free  Torsion 24 

Gangrene 88 

Hemorrhage 86,  130 

Hernia  of  Castration 99 

History  of  Castration 4 

Hygiene  and  subsequent  attention 82 

Incision  in  the  Vagina 119 

Inguinal  Cryptorchidy 75 

*•      Hernia 99 

Ligature 51 

*•      Carrier 97 

"of  the  Cord  and  its  envelopes. 52 


CONTENTS.  147 

Ligature  of  the  Cord  only 52^ 

"      of  the  Efferent  Canal 55 

of  the  Spermatic  Artery 54 

liimited  Torsion 26 

Linear  Crushing 32 

Method  by  the  Clamps 3t) 

*            •*      Ecraseur 34 

'*      Flanks 110 

Methods,  Classification  of i^ 

Modes  of  Cicatrization 81 

Modus  operandi  of  Bistournage  59 

♦*          1st  Step  of 60,  61 

2d       *'       62,  63 

3d       "       64,  65 

4th     «'                66 

**               *'       ••  Castration  of  Females 110 

**               **       *'  Covered  Operation 44 

*'               '*        "  Limited  Torsion 28^ 

**               *'       **  Uncovered  Operation 47 

Peritonitis 100,  130 

Preparations  of  the  Patient 9 

Purposes  of  Castration 4 

Removal  of  the  Ovaries • 120 

Restraint,  Modes  of 10 

Season  most  favorable 8 

Scraping 21 

Second  Method  of  Castration 39 

Securing  the  Animal  Down 10 

Softening  of  the  Bags 60,  61 

Standing  Up  Operation 10 

Dangers  of 12 

Subcutaneous  Twisting 58 

Swelling  of  the  Scrotal  Region 87 

Swine  132 

Tearing  and  Torsion 22 


148  CONTENTS. 

'Tearing  of  the  Clamps 85 

Tetanus 102 

"Thimble  for  Castration 118 

'Third  Method  of  Castration    .     56 

^Torsion 23 

* '      above  the  Epididimis 24 

'*      below  the  Epididimis 25 

"      Forceps 26,  27 

"      Free 24 

'*      Limited 26 

Uncovered  Operation 47 

Vaginal  Speculum 116,  117 


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No.  4.  The  Shoeing  of  the  Horse,  Mule,  and  Ox,  with 

59  woodcuts 75 

No.  5.  The  Elementary  Anatomy,  Points, and  Butcher's 
Joints  of  the  Ox,  with  17  colored  illustrations.    With 

explanatory  text .1  50 

Price  per  set  of  five 5  00 


W.  R.  Jenkins'' s  List  of  Veterinary  Books,  7 

PRICK 

Walley,  **  Four  Bovine  Scourges."  (Pleuro-Pneumonia, 
Foot  and  Mouth  Disease,  Cattle  Plague,  and  Tubercle./ 
With  an  Appendix  on  the  Inspection  of  Live  Animals 
and  Meat.  By  Thos.  Walley,  M.R.C.V.S.  With  49 
colored  illus.  and  numerous  woodcuts.  4to,  cl $6  40 

"Webb.    *'  On  the  Dog."    Its  Points,  Peculiarities,  Instsinct, 

and  Whims.     Illustrated  with  photographs 3  00 

Williams.  Principles  and  Practice  of  Veterinary  Medicine. 
New  edition,  entirely  revised,  and  illustrated  with 
numerous  plain  and  colored  plates.  By  W.  Williams, 
M.R.C.V.S.     8vo,  cloth 5  00 

Williams.  Principles  and  Practice  of  Veterinary  Surgery. 
New  edition,  entirely  revised,  and  illustrated  with 
numerous  plain  and  colored  plates.  By  W.  Williams, 
M.R.C.V.S.     8vo,  cloth 7  50 

Williams.    Chart  of  the  Contagious,  Infectious,  and  Specific 

Fevers  of  the  Domesticated  Animals 1  00 

Zundel.     "  On  the  Horse's  Foot."    Translated  by  A.  Liau- 

tard,  M.D.,  D.V.S 1  50 


VETERINARY  BOOKS  IN  FRENCH. 


Benion.    Traite  de  I'Elevage  et  des  Maladies  des  Animaux 

et  des  Oiseaux  de  Basse-Cour $2  80 

Benion.    Traite  de  I'Elevage  et  des  Maladies  du  Mouton. .  3  60 

Benion.     Traite  de  I'Elevage  et  des  Maladies  du  Pore 2  60 

Beuffnot.    Dictionnaire  usuel  de  Chirurgie  et  de  Medecine 

Veterinaire.    2  forts  volumes  in-8,  avec  planches 7  20 

Bonley.    La  Rage,  moyen  d'en  eviter  les  Dangers  et  de 

prevenir  sa  Propagation 40 

Bouley-Reynal.  Nouveau  Dictionnaire  Pratique  de  Mede- 
cine, de  Chirurgie  et  Hygiene  Veterinaire  (to  be  com- 
pleted in  18  volumes),  chaque  volume 3  00 

Colin.  Traite  de  Physiologic  Comparee  des  Animaux; 
Par  G.  Colfn,  Professeur  a  Tecole  Veterinaire  d'Alfort ; 
avec  Figr.res  intercalees  dans  le  texte.    2  vols,  in-8 10  40 

Cruzel.    Des  Maladies  de  I'Espece  Bovine.     Par  J.  Cruzel.  5  60 

Dictionnaire.  Lexicographique  et  Descriptif  des  Sciences 
Medicales  et  Veterinaires.  Un  tres-fort  vol.  de  plus  de 
1500  pages 8  00 

Gourdon.  Traite  de  la  Castration  des  Animaux  Domes tiques  3  60 


8  W.  R.  JenkinJi's  List  of  Veterinary  Books. 

PRICE 

Hertwig.     Les  Maladies  des  Chiens  et  leur  Traitement. .  .$1  40 
Lecocq.     Traite  de  TExterieur  du  Gheval  et  des  Princip 

aux  Animaux  Doriiestiques , 3  GO 

Leyh.     Anatomie  des  Animaux  Domestiques 3  60 

Mag-ne.     Kaces  Clievalines  et  leur  Amelioration,  Entretien, 

Multiplication,    Elevate  et   Education   da  Cheval,  de 

I'Ane  et  du  Mulct.     Par  J   H.  Magne 3  20 

Mag'Tie.     Races  Boyines   et  leur  Amelioration,  Entretien, 

Multiplication,  Elevage  et  Engraissement  du  Boeuf .    Tar 

J.  A.  Magne   2  00 

MagTio.    Races  Porcines  et  leur  Amelioration,  Entretien, 
"Multiplication,    Elevage    et    Engraissement  du  Pore. 

Par  J.  H.  Magne 80 

Mta^ne.  Nourriture  des  Chevaux  de  Travail — brochure 40 

Magne.    Choix  du  Cheval 80 

Magne,    Choix  et  Nourriture  du  Cheval.     Par  J.  H.  Magn(>. 

Avec  Vignettes 1  40 

Mourod*  Matiere  Medicale ;  ou  la  Pharmacologic  Veterinarie. 2  40 
Saint-Cyr.    Traite  d'  Obstetrique  Veterinaire.     Avec  cent 

vignettes 5  60 

8ig'nol.     Aide  Memoire  du  Veterinaire,  Medecine,  Chirurgie 

et  Obstetrique;  Par  Jules  Signol;  avec  395  Figures. . .  2  40 
Tabourin,    Nouveau  Traite  de  Matiere  Medicale  Therapeu- 

tique  et  de  Pharmacie  Veterinaires,   2  fort  volumes, 

in-8,  avec  plus  de  100  figures 8  CO 


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